Chelsea star slams Conte for loss against Manchester United

macfranc007 February 28, 2018 IFTTT, Latest Sport News | Today on Naij.com Akan Anwankwo

- Thibaut Courtois blames Antonio Conte for taking off Eden Hazard in the 2-1 loss to Manchester United

- The Belgium number one also points accusing fingers at his defenders for letting Lingard score the second goal

- Courtois and Hazard are yet to extend their contracts with the London club amid Real Madrid speculation

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has slammed boss Antonio Conte for substituting Eden Hazard in the 2-1 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Conte took off Hazard in the 73rd minute for Pedro Rodriguez when the score was at one a piece, but pressure swung the way of the Blues and two minutes later Jesse Lingard scored the winner.

In an interview with Belgian TV channel Play Sports, Courtois said:

"I have no explanation for the sub of Hazard.

"I had not expected him to take him off but it is a choice of the manager. He must explain. I can't look into his head.

"Players like Eden should have 90 minutes on the pitch. He can always bring something extra offensive."

Courtois was also quick to point accusing hands at his defenders for failing to clear their lines properly for the second big game in a row.

He said: "After our goal, we conceded a counter-attacking goal just like last Tuesday but in the second half we had less of the ball.

"But even then we should never have lost this match.

"If you do not do the small things well in top matches, you lose, which is what happened."

The former Atletico Madrid star is yet to sign a new deal with the Stamford Bridge outfit, and current contract negotiations with club has been shelved.

With Real Madrid lurking around the corner, Chelsea are keen to secure the future of number who is currently at his prime.

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However, after Courtois latest comments, it is uncertain whether a career at Stamford Bridge could be salvaged and Hazard have also been linked with a move to the Spanish capital.

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It will be the second time in a few days that Chelsea has failed to hold on to a lead in a match including their 1-1 draw against Barcelona in the Champions League first leg.

Conte has a daunting task when the Blues visit Manchester City at the Etihad at the coming weekend and anything short of a win could spell doom for the Italian manager.

Chelsea will have to wrestle for a top four finish till the last day of the season as they have fallen to fifth on the table and Conte needs all of his key players to change the tide.

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