Chelsea’s Jose Mourinho explains Eden Hazard absence for Schalke win
Chelsea's Jose Mourinho says Eden Hazard was omitted from the Blues squad on Wednesday night for missing a training session
Jose Mourinho revealed he dropped Eden Hazard from his Champions League squad for missing a training session after Chelsea were comfortable 3-0 winners against Schalke.
Samuel Eto’o scored either side of half-time before his replacement Demba Ba sealed the win with seven minutes remaining to move the Blues three points clear at the top for Group E.
The Belgium international, who joined Chelsea in 2012, sat behind the dugout at Stamford Bridge as Mourinho punished the playmaker for missing training on Monday morning due to a reported night out in France on Sunday.
“I don’t want to lie. He is not injured. He forgot the time. That’s the end of story. He’s a kid,” Mourinho is quoted as saying by Daily Mirror.
“Kids make mistakes and fathers have to be clever in the way that they educate their sons. He didn’t play.
“He wanted to play. He was sad because he didn’t play. We won without him. On Saturday, he is back. So, end of story.”
Mourinho refused to confirm whether Hazard would return to the starting line-up for the clash against West Bromwich Albion.
“We know his talent, he will be on the bench or playing, but he will be in the squad for sure.”
In his interview with Sky Sports following the 3-0 win, Mourinho preferred to deflect praise onto Chelsea midfielders Willian and Andre Schurrle instead of discussing Hazard’s omission.
“I prefer to say Willian and Shcurrle made fantastic work for us.
“I prefer to say we have a big squad with players of quality and players who are sometimes frustrated that they are not first options.
“But it’s important that when they have a chance, they do well.
“Another example for me is Cesar Azpilicueta who is playing in a position that is not his natural position.”
Mourinho concluded: “Let’s forget Eden because I didn’t select him.”
