The Special One's Influence on a Premier League Icon
The dynamic between a football genius and a managerial icon is often a volatile mix, and Eden Hazard's time under Jose Mourinho at Chelsea was no exception. The Belgian maestro has now candidly shared the raw moments of conflict that shaped their championship-winning partnership, revealing a 'really bad' passport incident that could have derailed his career.
Key Takeaways:
- Hazard and Mourinho endured a fiery relationship despite winning the Premier League title together in 2014-15.
- A lost passport led to Hazard missing training, resulting in a public apology and a temporary benching.
- Despite clashes, Hazard maintains immense respect for Mourinho, crediting him with teaching invaluable lessons.
- The former Chelsea star contrasts the physical demands of the Premier League with the technical flair of La Liga.
The Special One's Influence on a Premier League Icon
Eden Hazard arrived at Chelsea as a prodigious talent, and it was under Jose Mourinho from 2013 to 2015 that he truly blossomed into a Premier League superstar. Their two seasons together culminated in a dominant 2014-15 title triumph, with Hazard netting 14 goals and providing 9 assists. Yet, beneath the glory, a compelling tension simmered between the two.
Missing Training: Hazard's Passport Blunder
Even football's elite are susceptible to everyday mishaps. Hazard vividly recalls a specific 'really bad moment' during Mourinho's first year back at Stamford Bridge. After attending a game in Lille, the winger misplaced his passport, leaving him stranded and unable to return to England for training.
"I wasn't allowed back into England and missed training. I returned around 2pm," Hazard recounted. The incident forced him to publicly apologize to Mourinho, a moment of profound humiliation for the Belgian star. The manager's response was swift and uncompromising, dropping Hazard from the squad.
Mutual Respect Despite the Friction
While Mourinho initially punished Hazard, his trust in the player never wavered for long. "The next week, he pulled me out of the team and said it was my fault, but by the weekend I was back playing and it went well," Hazard revealed. This anecdote perfectly encapsulates their complex bond: a demanding manager pushing a supremely talented player, ultimately fostering growth.
Hazard holds immense admiration for his former boss. He credits Mourinho with teaching him "so many things," particularly his "passion for football" and his unique ability to "trust players." The rigorous, high-intensity training sessions under the Portuguese coach were described as "unbelievable."
Premier League vs. La Liga: A Star's Verdict
Having graced both the English and Spanish top flights, Hazard offers a clear distinction between the two. The Premier League, he notes, is relentlessly "physical" where players "never stop running" and must "go full speed for 90 minutes."
In contrast, La Liga is characterized as more "technical," allowing players to "manage the game." Hazard's move to Real Madrid in 2019 was unfortunately plagued by injuries, limiting his impact before his eventual retirement in October 2023.
Life After Football: Hazard Embraces Family Man Role
Retirement can be a challenging transition for many athletes, but Hazard has embraced his new chapter with open arms. His family has been his anchor, helping him navigate life away from the professional pitch.
"My life is simple: I stay home and enjoy the simple things with my wife, kids, and brothers," he shares. Trading stadiums for school runs, the former football wizard now jokingly refers to himself as a "taxi driver," content with the newfound time for his loved ones after 16 years and over 700 matches as a professional footballer.
