Saturday 24 October 2015 18:34, UK
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has responded angrily to Belgium coach Marc Wilmots, who is reported to be keen on Eden Hazard moving to Real Madrid.
Hazard has made an indifferent start to the season and was dropped to the bench for last week's 2-0 win against Aston Villa, with Mourinho claiming he was left out to stop "conceding lots of goals" and due to the need for midfield players "to be concerned with being solid".
The Telegraph reported last week that Wilmots fears his Belgian star could suffer burn-out at Stamford Bridge and could be worn out for next summer's European Championship finals. It added that Wilmots believes, privately, that a move to Real would allow the forward more freedom and a lighter work schedule.
Mourinho recalled Hazard for the clash with West Ham on Saturday but before the match vented his frustration at the reported comments by the Belgium boss.
"The national team is the national team and the coach is the coach," Mourinho said.
"When Hazard is in the national team I don't open my mouth. Ever. But some people don't have the same ethics and comment when the players are at the club."
The 24-year-old won several awards for his brilliant displays last season but has struggled to replicate his form this term.
He did return against Dynamo Kiev in midweek for the 0-0 stalemate in the Champions League, with Mourinho seemingly more pleased with the efforts of his star midfielder.
"Hazard played the last match for 90 minutes and was part of the compact team," the Portuguese coach said.
