Maurizio Sarri has discussed his decision to drop Eden Hazard for Chelsea’s Europa League semi-final with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Chelsea travelled to Germany for the first leg of their last four tie on Thursday night, with Belgian international Hazard a surprising omission form the starting line up.
Spanish forward Pedro’s equaliser secured Chelsea a precious away goal in a 1-1 draw, after Sarri’s side had fallen behind to Luka Jovic’s opener.
Hazard played the final half hour after coming on for Willian, and Sarri says a rest was important for the club’s 19-goal top scorer.
“For a player that has 70 matches in a season, starting him from the bench is a normal reaction,” Sarri told the press ahead of his sides clash with Watford.
“We have to play again in 62 hours.”
“I don’t speak with the players that I want to put on the bench.
“He is a player, so I have to do it otherwise I have to speak to everyone. He was a normal way, joking as usual. He knows the truth very well.”
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