Eden Hazard: “People can ask a lot of me, I can deal with the pressure”

Eden Hazard started his first game this past weekend since the Manchester City match in early August. Injuries have riddled his start to life at Real Madrid and prevented the mercurial winger from producing the supreme quality he had shown previously in his career. On Saturday, he announced his return to the starting lineup with a beautiful weak foot shot from outside the eighteen yard box. After the match, Hazard spoke to reporters and addressed some of the issues that had held him back.

“You know I had a problem last year and at the beginning of this season. I hope now the problems are behind me and I can look to the future. Injuries are normal, it is a part of football. I used to play football without a lot of injuries and now I need to learn how my body is working. I am almost 30 and not that young anymore. But I hope the problems are behind me and the future is good,” Hazard explained.

The Belgian also addressed the expectations now on his shoulders after a positive return. “I am a good player so people ask a lot of me. I can deal with the pressure - it won’t be a problem,” Hazard confidently told the post-match reporter. “When I am on the pitch I know what to do and I know what I can do.”

Eden’s comments show just how confident he is in his abilities and the willingness he has to take a leadership role within the Real Madrid attack. That attitude and desire will be desperately needed with a massive game vs Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League tonight. If Eden can click into another gear, continue to gain form, and leave his mark on the match - Real Madrid have a much better chance of coming out on top.