Eden Hazard has opened up about the "really bad" confrontations he experienced with Jose Mourinho during their time together at Chelsea, revealing one incident that particularly stands out from his memory. The Belgian winger, who played under the Portuguese manager between 2013 and 2015, described their relationship as marked by occasional friction due to their contrasting attitudes.
Eden Hazard has opened up about the "really bad" confrontations he experienced with Jose Mourinho during their time together at Chelsea, revealing one incident that particularly stands out from his memory. The Belgian winger, who played under the Portuguese manager between 2013 and 2015, described their relationship as marked by occasional friction due to their contrasting attitudes.
Speaking to the Guardian, Hazard recalled a specific episode early in Mourinho's second stint at Stamford Bridge. "I went to Lille to watch a game and lost my passport on the way back," the former Chelsea star explained. "I wasn't allowed back into England and missed training. I returned around 2pm. When the session was over, I had to apologise to him. It was a really bad moment for me."
The 35-year-old revealed that Mourinho responded by dropping him from the team the following week, placing the blame squarely on his shoulders. However, the situation was quickly resolved, with Hazard restored to the starting lineup by the weekend, where he delivered a strong performance.
Despite the clashes, Hazard maintains respect for his former manager, crediting Mourinho with teaching him valuable lessons. "So many things. His passion for football, the way he trusts players… the way we trained with him was unbelievable," Hazard said, reflecting on what he learned from the Portuguese tactician.
Hazard also discussed the contrast between English and Spanish football, noting the Premier League's physical demands compared to La Liga's technical emphasis. The former Lille man, who joined Real Madrid in 2019 before retiring in 2023, has embraced a simpler life away from the game.
Now a father of five, Hazard described his post-retirement existence as that of a "taxi driver" for his children, emphasizing the importance of family in adjusting to life after professional football. "When you play, you travel constantly, but when you stop, you finally have time for them without the stress," he reflected.
