New Delhi: Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink has asked Eden Hazard to show that he is a top player and then for the club he can be of huge value as the Belgian is contemplating a move away from the club.


COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING

Ahead of the crucial first leg encounter of the Round of 16 against Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint Germain, the Hazard story serves as an unwanted distraction for the club. On Monday, the star player had stated that it would be hard to say no to PSG or Real Madrid if they came calling.


Hiddink has asked the attacking midfielder to focus on improving his form and fitness rather than contemplating a potential move at the end of the season.


Hazard, who had signed a new five-year contract last year, has failed to replicate his form this season and Hiddink stated that the Belgian must show that he can be of huge value for the side.


"Well, he has a contract that he extended but first he must get fit and show he is a top player and then for Chelsea, which is a top club, he can be of huge value," Hiddink said.


He also went on to add that he understands PSG's ambitions and there is a huge challenge for any player to get attracted. But he also cited that big footballers always like to be in the biggest league and EPL is an example.


"(But) for me, I think big, big, big players always like to be in the biggest league, which is the Premier League, La Liga and also the Bundesliga."


Hiddink will look to continue his unbeaten run on Tuesday, since taking over as an interim manager from the sacked Jose Mourinho. And Eden Hazard will have to play an important role for his side.


Interestingly, PSG had got the better of Chelsea in the same round of last season's UCL fixtures on away goal basis.


Chelsea who are a dismal 12th in the Premier League table, have to win this season's European competition to stake a spot in the UCL next term.


Since Mourinho's departure, Chelsea are enjoying some good form and have been unbeaten in their last 12 games. Hiddink knows that an ambitious PSG side who have been targeting Champions League glory since the last couple of seasons will look to hurt their chances.


The second leg of the Champions League tie with PSG is at Stamford Bridge on March 9.