I don’t talk to Carlo Ancelotti about lack of playing time

Eden Hazard has said that he and coach Carlo Ancelotti ‘are not talking about the striker’s lack of playing time at Real Madrid’.

Hazard, 32, has made just one La Liga start and two substitute appearances this season – in August and September – despite Ancelotti’s suggestion that he could appear more regularly as a substitute for Karim Benzema.

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The striker retired from international football in December following Belgium’s disappointing elimination from the group stage at the World Cup in Qatar.

“There is respect between us. But I won’t say that [Ancelotti and I] talk to each other because we don’t do that,” Hazard told Belgian broadcaster RTBF. “But there will always be respect. Even if he doesn’t pick me up tomorrow.

“I have to have respect for a guy like Carlo Ancelotti. In terms of what he represents for football, what he has achieved in his career. There is no problem.”

Hazard joined Real Madrid from Chelsea in July 2019 for €100m but has never regained his Premier League form in Spain as a series of ankle problems and related injuries hampered his progress.

Despite his lack of football this season, Hazard said he intends to extend his contract with Madrid which expires in June 2024.

“I’d like to stay, I’ve always said that,” said Hazard. “Hoping to play. I’m waiting for one thing, to be on the pitch to prove that I can still play football. People doubt me, it’s normal. I understand very well. But for me I am I’ll still be here next year. A transfer isn’t on the agenda. But you never know.

“What can make me change my mind? I don’t know. The only thing I think about is playing. That’s why I don’t even think about leaving. Deep down, I think I can contribute. I feel it. If I do a little, people will trust me again. They might tell themselves they made a mistake letting me out. I just need minutes in my legs.”

Real Madrid play Liverpool in the Champions League round of 16 second leg on Wednesday – Hazard was an unused substitute in the 5-2 first-leg win at Anfield – ahead of Sunday’s LaLiga classic with Barcelona.