ROBERTO MARTINEZ says he would never use Eden Hazard as a false No9 for Belgium – and can understand why the Chelsea star is frustrated.
Hazard, 27, was critical of Blues boss Antonio Conte’s tactics after being played in that position in a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City earlier this month.
And Belgium manager Martinez admitted: “I can understand his frustration.
“It’s difficult for a player of his quality to come off in a No9 position and be involved.
“Would I do the same? No. I don’t think it would be as positive as using the proper No9s that we have.
“We have players like Romelu Lukaku, Michy Batshuayi, Christian Benteke in that role for us.”
Martinez also insists he is pleased with the form of Manchester United striker Lukaku, who has scored six goals in his last seven games but has still been heavily criticised this season.
The Spaniard said: “It’s been very interesting from afar to see.
HAZARD PREVENTED Eden Hazard ‘saves’ brother Thorgan’s life in first aid video
“After having a massive move to a club like Man United, he started so well, then had to go through a difficult period where he had to find the answers.
“I think his form in the last few games has been really pleasing. He has shown responsibility and maturity on the pitch.”
Most Read in Sport
Martinez left Crystal Palace flop Benteke out of his squad for the friendly against Saudi Arabia a week on Tuesday.
But the ex-Wigan and Everton chief said: “Christian now needs to focus on getting back to his best possible level with his club.
“He is in the middle of a relegation fight which will keep his focus and concentration.
“But he is still part of the group. This squad was to try something different rather than looking at Christian not being part of the future.”
Martinez also revealed he has met Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino to discuss the fitness of Toby Alderweireld.
The centre-half is in Belgium’s squad despite having only featured twice for his club since November because of hamstring problems.
Martinez added: “I went to visit the Spurs technical staff and Mauricio and we had a good chat.
“Toby had a really difficult injury and then came back and had a setback.
“But he was on the bench in the last game against Swansea and in training today he looked very strong, very sharp.
“We are going to make sure that now we work with Spurs to get him back and use this camp as a beneficial one.
“But the conversation with Spurs has been very positive.”
Martinez says he will make a decision on Friday over whether or not to use Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois, who missed Sunday’s FA Cup win over Leicester with a hamstring injury.
Leave a comment