“I Like My Freedom”- Eden Hazard Doesn’t Fancy Playing Under Pep Guardiola

Published 02/19/2024, 1:16 AM EST

The streets will never forget the name of Eden Hazard. Hailed as one of the most gifted wingers, the former Belgian superstar had an impressive career. Although Hazard has played under legendary managers such as Jose Mourinho, Rafa Benitez, and Maurizio Sarri, Pep Guardiola‘s name is prominently missing from the long list of his distinguished mentors. But in a surprising claim, despite backing the Spanish tactician as ‘best in the world,’ Hazard revealed that he would have never played under the Manchester City boss.

The shocking revelation came after the former Chelsea star joined the panel of John Obi-Mikel and Chris McHardy on the 11th episode of The Obi One Podcast. While praising his nation’s young winger and the Sky Blues star, Jeremy Doku, McHardy asked if he ever thought of playing for Guardiola. Interestingly, he said, “I don’t know because this guy will mind you a lot. Me, as a player, I like my freedom. If you ask me to ‘stay there,’ I’ll be like, ‘What? Are you crazy?'” However, that didn’t mean Hazard didn’t hold the former Barcelona manager in high regard.

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“I think he is the best in the world,” he said. When asked if the former Chelsea star would love to play for Guardiola, he said, “I don’t know. I can’t say yes or no. Give me the freedom and I’m going to win games.” Indeed, this is quite a huge claim from the former Lille superstar. Notably, Hazard has faced Guardiola’s City since the former Bayern Munich boss took over the reins at Etihad Stadium in 2016. However, in 2019, the player joined his dream club, Real Madrid. Although that transfer didn’t work in Hazard’s favor, Guardiola still backed the Belgian star.

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Pep Guardiola considers Eden Hazard a ‘world-class’ player

After Eden Hazard was being criticized for his poor display at Real Madrid, Pep Guardiola unexpectedly came in support of him. Speaking in an interview with YouTuber DjMaRiiO, he said, “If he’s not playing well, something’s going on at Madrid because he is really good. Not a top player, another level above. What we saw in England…he is world-class.”

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Fingers were pointed at the former Belgian skipper for allegedly failing to justify his $107 million price tag. However, Guardiola came to Hazard’s defense, asserting that everyone requires a period of adaptation. Unfortunately, this period never materialized, ultimately leading Hazard to depart the Santiago Bernabeu without making a lasting impact.

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Written by:

Abhishek Mishra is a senior Soccer Writer at EssentiallySports. His early exposure to playing soccer earned him many accolades at college divisions, making him a sports enthusiast. While closely following daily updates for over a decade, Abhishek is well-versed in European soccer and now the MLS, as well.

Edited by:

Jayant Chhabra

“I Like My Freedom”- Eden Hazard Doesn’t Fancy Playing Under Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola considers Eden Hazard a ‘world-class’ player

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