Chelsea coach Guus Hiddink has reiterated that Eden Hazard remains a key player for the club, but they will decide on his future if a decision is necessary.
The Belgian international played a pivotal role for the club last season as they won the Premier League title, as he scored 14 goals and provided nine assists.
However, in complete contrast this year, Hazard has yet to score a single goal in 28 appearances in all competitions, which in turn has contributed to the club’s struggles and to Jose Mourinho getting sacked last month.
While his troubles have led to speculation that he could leave the club, Hiddink is keen to remind everyone that Chelsea remain in control of the situation but he is hopeful that the 25-year-old will rediscover his best form in the second half of the campaign.
Hiddink stated that Hazard’s future is “not up to me, it’s up to the club” and added: “I think when Hazard gets his rhythm back in the upcoming weeks he is of big value to Chelsea,” as reported by ESPN FC.
“I don’t want to step on the philosophy or strategy of the club. It’s up to them, but he’s a very important player, a very good player with a style of play that’s nice to see.
“He’s had an injury so it’s an unstable situation for two months at least. Hopefully he’s coming back to what he was before, and then we can enjoy him.”
Hiddink will remain in charge on an interim basis until the end of the season, and so it is unlikely that he will have a say in the club’s transfer strategy in the summer.
Much will depend on what the new coach wants from his squad, and if that means selling Hazard in order to rebuild in other key areas, then the Belgian winger could yet find himself at a new club ahead of next season.
Nevertheless, the expectation is that he will continue to try and turn things around in the coming months with a view of playing a crucial role in Chelsea’s bid to qualify for the Champions League ahead of featuring for Belgium at Euro 2016 this summer.
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