Chelsea
assistant-coach Steve Holland believes Eden Hazard is not given proper
protection by match officials.
Holland reckons people focus too much on players going to ground quickly,
rather than looking after the interests of talented individuals.
But he praised Hazard’s attitude for the way he dealt with a reckless
challenge from Stoke’s Phil Bardsley, and also Filipe Luis, who was on the
end of a tough tackle by Hull City’s Tom Huddlestone.
"Hazard just gets on with it. He's incredible in that respect given the
stick he takes," Holland said.
"A model pro who gets up straight away after being whacked can discourage a
referee from taking action against a player who is trying to take him out of
the game.
"Five minutes later he gets whacked again because the player hasn't got a
yellow card. It's all part of what a player thinks is right or wrong.
"Hazard at Stoke - if he doesn't see that tackle coming and doesn't get his
studs off the ground, it finishes his career.
"Filipe Luis was on the receiving end of a tackle against Hull on the
halfway line.
"Those two tackles were career-ending tackles if they connect, no doubt. Yet
we spend two or three days talking about how long a player has spent in the
air rather than what is done about the perpetrators of those challenges.
Where's the logic in that?
"If nothing's done, players liked Eden Hazard will not be able to show the
supporters the ability they have. Eden is very honest, that's for sure.
"I'm sure he's learning to protect himself because you can't rely on anybody
else to do it. You have to do it yourself."
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