Chelsea boss José Mourinho says that star winger Eden Hazard should receive more protection from the officials after witnessing his player become the most fouled player in Champions League and Premier League so far.
Hazard is spoken of as someone who can reach great heights in the next few years. The 24-year-old was incessantly fouled in the recent Champions League match against Paris St Germain. There were an astonishing nine fouls on the Belgian international from six different players. Yet, only the duo of Gregory van der Wiel and Marco Verratti were booked by the referee.
Pointing out this aspect, Mourinho says that players likeHazard, who are extremely skilled, should be protected by the referee. Like in several matches, Hazard completed the 90 minutes of action. Chelsea, as a team, were kept relatively quiet on the attack in front and it was defender Branislav Ivanovic who popped up with the decisive away goal. Chelsea were pegged back by the goals from Edinson Cavani, but they will be the happier of the two ahead of the second leg at Stamford Bridge on March 12. Mourinho later admitted that Chelsea were lucky to get back with a draw after their goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced to make several saves.
“We have already had 25 matches in the Premier League and it’s not different. This is an important point.We all know the player is a very good player. As an opponent, you have to keep a certain attitude with him.But you brought the [PSG] team into discussion, not me, and probably I don’t want to do your job obviously… but probably you should bring the point back to England. What can be done to protect him? Give cards to the opponent, follow the rules of the game. It’s as simple as that,” said Mourinho.