Ben Guest
Gianfranco Zola has said that Eden Hazard’s reaction to Maurizio Sarri’s criticism shows just what a ‘great player’ that he is.
Despite being only the second player in the whole of Europes top five divisions to have gotten into double figures for both goals and assists this season – Lionel Messi being the other – Maurizio Sarri took aim at the Chelsea number 10 earlier this week, saying that he is not a leader.
However, the Belgian put in a fine performance on Thursday evening, scoring once and creating a whole host of chances as the Blues overcame a 1-0 aggregate deficit to progress to the EFL Cup final on penalties at the expense of Spurs.
Chelsea legend and current assistant manager Gianfranco Zola said that Hazard’s reaction to the criticism shows how much of a top class player he is.
“What Eden Hazard showed me yesterday is the reaction of a great player with a great personality,” Zola told the press ahead of his sides FA Cup clash with Sheffield Wednesday.
“I’m looking forward to seeing more from him between now and the end of the season. I was very impressed.
“Sometimes the criticism is not necessarily a negative thing. As a coach, you have to get the best out of the players. Sometimes you need to compliment and sometimes you need to criticise, and I appreciate the players reacted in the right way.”
Chelsea will face Man City in the final at Wembley on February 24th.