Hazard names the one manager he wants to work with in the future

Eden Hazard has revealed that Jose Mourinho is the manager he would most like to work with, after they spent two-and-a-half years together at Chelsea.

And the Manchester Evening News report Mourinho considers Hazard his ideal signing, reportedly telling Manchester United chief Ed Woodward that the Belgian would be his top transfer target if money wasn’t a factor.

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Hazard said: “In 12 years I’ve only had one bad season, the last six months under Mourinho, and it was partly my own fault. After the title, we asked Mourinho for extra holidays. I came back totally out of shape.

“The last season under Mourinho was not enjoyable. We didn’t win, we got into a sort of routine, training without having fun, it was better for all parties that we parted ways.

“But if I’m asked now about one coach with whom I want to work again, I would say Mourinho.”

Many regarded Hazard’s flattering comments about Mourinho as a calculated ploy ahead of a possible transfer to Real Madrid next year.

The winger will be in the final year of his contract next season and current Real boss Julen Lopetegui is already under mounting pressure after presiding over three defeats in four. It has now been six hours since Real last scored a goal.

Madrid president Florentino Perez maintains a warm relationship with Mourinho and was prepared to reappoint him in 2016 had Zinedine Zidane failed to clinch a Champions League final victory against Atletico Madrid. Mourinho was not explicitly sacked by Real in 2013.

So could Mourinho and Hazard re-unite in Madrid? It certainly seems outlandish, but crazier things have happened in football and the Belgian certainly seems to be keeping his options open.