How Carlo Ancelotti is ‘plotting’ to salvage Eden Hazard’s Real Madrid career

Hazard has made just 66 appearances for Real Madrid

Eden Hazard is reportedly set to feature as a false No 9 at Real Madrid as Carlo Ancelotti is desperate to get the best out of the Belgian, while also managing Karim Benzema's workload. The 31-year-old has endured a nightmare period since joining Los Blancos from Chelsea in 2019, recording 66 appearances and registering just six goals and 10 assists, and has missed a number of matches though injury. However, Real boss Carlo Ancelotti is hopeful of reigniting Hazard's career by deploying him in a false No 9 role when Karim Benzema is rested, according to AS.  https://twitter.com/MadridXtra/status/1541461989930815490

Ancelotti wants to manage Benzema's workload

The Italian is aware that French striker Benzema, who is approaching his 35th birthday, will need to manage his workload, especially given the mid-season World Cup in Qatar later this year. AS add that Hazard is likely to be fitter than he has been for a number of years after having a metal plate - that was inserted to repair his fibula - removed, with no other injury issues to speak of.

Kross stops Hazard pouring champagne for son during Champions League celebrations

German midfielder Toni Kroos was forced to intervene after Hazard began pouring champagne for his son during Madrid's Champions League celebrations last month. Los Blancos were celebrating their 14th European title after a second half goal from Vinicius Junior was enough for them to overcome Liverpool in Paris. The Madrid players and staff were partying away in the changing room, and video footage showed Hazard pouring drinks of champagne for his teammates. However, the Belgian didn't want anyone to miss out and even began pouring some for Kroos' son, despite him only being eight years old. https://twitter.com/totalcristiano/status/1530831163379568640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1530831163379568640%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.joe.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ftoni-kroos-hazard-338993 While his son thought he had hit the jackpot, Kroos wasn't so keen and pushed away the bottle and began waggling his finger at Hazard, who could only laugh in response. Related links:

• Toni Kroos stops Eden Hazard pouring champagne for son during celebrations
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