Jose Mourinho handles Eden Hazard situation perfectly

Eden Hazard missed the Champions League win against Schalke after failing to get his ducks in the row and make it to a training session on time after a return to former club Lille.

His hero’s reception in Lille was quickly replaced by the cold shoulder by Mourinho who felt that failure to return on time warranted omission from the team.

Fortunately, the team won and the only person paying for this mistake is Eden Hazard, but it does show that he is willing to be firm and consistent with his approach regardless of the player and their reputation.

However, like those who have received “tough love” the punishment has not been designed to overshadow their talents with opportunities given to redeem given either on the pitch or training ground.

The fact that this will not be dwelled on is important as otherwise you risk it becoming a saga rather than an inconvenience.

“Did he forget the time? Look, he’s a kid. Kids make mistakes and fathers have to be clever in the way they educate their sons. He didn’t play. He wanted to play. He was sad because he didn’t play. We won without him. On Saturday [against West Bromwich Albion] he is back. So, end of story. Let’s forget Eden because I didn’t select him and, on Saturday, he will be with the team. We know his talent. He will be on the bench or playing but he will be in the squad, for sure.”

Hopefully Hazard will be in the headlines for the right reasons on Saturday.