Friday 25 January 2019 11:37, UK
Eden Hazard was right to dismiss Maurizio Sarri's criticism and there is no reason to doubt his leadership credentials, says Sue Smith.
Following Chelsea's 2-0 defeat at Arsenal last week, Sarri accused Hazard of being "more an individual player than a leader" and urged him to improve his performances.
Hazard responded with a goal and man-of-the-match performance in Chelsea's win over Tottenham on Thursday, helping to send them through to the Carabao Cup final.
The Belgium captain then spoke after the game to say: "It doesn't matter what the manager said. I think I'm a leader."
Asked if she agreed with Hazard's assessment of his abilities, former Leeds and Doncaster Belles player Smith said: "Without a doubt.
"He leads by example. He'll get the ball and make things happen. He's your spark and player you look to. When he's making things happen it lifts the rest of the team.
"He's a leader and I loved his reaction after the game, saying he is a leader and he doesn't care what the manager says about him.
"He just goes on the pitch and does his thing, and that's the best way to respond to anything."
Hazard only has 18 months remaining on his Chelsea contact, and he has openly entertained the idea of pursuing a "dream" move to Real Madrid.
Chelsea, however, are keen to keep the 28 year old, and Smith says Sarri's outspoken criticism could come back to haunt the club.
"It's a little bit risky, what Sarri's doing. You want to get the best out of your player, but you also want to make sure they feel loved and wanted," said Smith.
"I'm sure he's doing that behind the scenes. You look and say 'Hazard is my key player, how am I going to get the best out of him?'
"Hopefully Sarri knows his character and what makes him tick."
