Hazard and Sarri in War of Words Following Carabao Cup Victory Over Tottenham

Hazard has responded to his manager’s claim that he shows no trait of leadership on the field of play. In a game which Hazard played a starring role in helping his team achieve a final berth against Man City at the Carabao Cup, Chelsea beat Tottenham on penalties following a 2-2 aggregate score in the semi final.

Chelsea were trailing 1-0 before the second leg and needs to beat Tottenham if they are to stand any chance of qualification. Fortunately, Kante and Hazard both scored, helping Chelsea to secure 2-1 lead by the end of 90 minutes and the match headed to penalties having tied to 2-2 in a competition which is not ruled by away goals. Chelsea beat Tottenham on penalties and Hazard was by far the best player on the pitch having taken the Man of the Match award.

Responding to a question after his boss, Sarri already stated Hazard was not a leader following their 2-0 defeat to Arsenal in the league last weekend, he said he actually showed leadership with his feet after scoring an important goal against Tottenham in Carabao Cup on Thursday night.

However, Sarri singled the Belgium international out for praise afterwards, describing his display as “wonderful” and attributing it to a change in mentality.

Asked if Chelsea delivered the kind of performance his head coach would be happy with, Hazard said: “I hope so.

“[In] the meeting we had before the game, we talked about going through and playing in the final. Now we are in the final so we are just happy.

“My job on the pitch is to do what I can do. Today I did so I am just happy. I always say that on the pitch I’m a leader. I think I’m a leader.