Champions League: Mourinho issues Hazard warning as Blues close in on qualification
AT STAMFORD BRIDGE
CHELSEA 3 vs SCHALKE 0
CHELSEA manager Jose Mourinho banished midfielder Eden Hazard to the stands for missing a training session as his team-mates took a giant stride towards the Champions League knockout stages last night.
Hazard was one of six changes from the side that lost to Newcastle on Saturday, but two goals from striker Samuel Eto’o and a late third from substitute Demba Ba got the Blues back to winning ways.
And while changes had been anticipated, Mourinho confirmed Hazard’s absence was due to a breach of discipline rather than injury, though he is now satisfied the Belgian has learned his lesson.
“Maybe he forgot the time,” said Mourinho of Hazard’s absence. “I don’t want to lie, he’s not injured. He’s a kid, kids make mistakes. Fathers have to be clever in the ways they educate their sons. He didn’t play, he wanted to play, he was sad because he didn’t play. We won without him and on Saturday he is back. End of story.”
Chelsea looked to be missing Hazard and a natural spark before Eto’o’s fortunate opener on 31 minutes, when goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand allowed the striker time to charge down his kick and divert the ball into an empty net.
There was nothing lucky about Eto’o’s second on 54 minutes, though. Fellow summer signing Willian squared for Eto’o, who finished with aplomb, low across goal from just inside the box.
The points were sealed seven minutes from time when Frank Lampard lofted a cushioned first-time pass over the defence and Ba volleyed in from 12 yards.