Toni Kroos has no sympathy for Real Madrid teammate Eden Hazard after he publicly expressed his frustration over a lack of game time.
The 32-year-old Belgian forward, who has struggled to make an impression at the Bernabeu since his £88.5 million move from Chelsea, recently brought up his lack of game time during an interview with broadcaster RTBF.
“I want to play. I want to have fun on the field," Hazard said. “Training is good but what keeps us alive are the matches. I hope deep inside me that I can bring something and that the coach is still counting on me, I hope.
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"We'll see if I'm still going to play by the end of the season. I doubt a little. It's up to me to show him in training that he can call on me.”
Hazard went on to express his desire to stay at the Bernabeu beyond the summer, saying he wants to “show that I can still do it” at the top level.
He also admitted that he doesn't speak to Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti.
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“I would like to stay. I’ve always said that. I hope to play and to show that I can still do it," he added.
“People have doubts, that’s normal, I understand. But for me, I’m still here next year. You never know, but a transfer is not in my plan.
"There’s respect between Ancelotti and I. But I’m not going to say we talk to each other, because we don’t. But there will always be respect.
“I have to have respect [for] a guy like Ancelotti. For what he represents for football, and for what he’s done in his career.”
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Ancelotti responded to his comments by admitting they don't talk much, but said "the most important thing" is that Hazard continues to show him respect.
Hazard's situation continues to be a big talking point in the media and beyond, and now, Madrid teammate Toni Kroos has given his take on things.
Speaking on Belgian TV via AS, the German midfielder showed no mercy, saying: “Compassion is out of place in football.
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"I don’t think Eden has a bad life. You can pity people who are clearly going through it worse. It’s not about money, I just haven’t felt sorry for anyone in football.
“Of course, the situation has been difficult for a long time, but at the end of the day, everyone is to some extent responsible for their own situation. That’s why I think pity is out of place.
"I know Eden very well, we talk often, but I only pity people who are in very bad situations and Eden is not one of them.”
Hazard has played just 98 minutes of football in La Liga this season as Los Blancos try and keep up with Barcelona in the title race.
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Thoughts on the situation? Let us know in the comments.
Topics: Toni Kroos, Real Madrid, La Liga, Eden Hazard, Carlo Ancelotti
Jack Kenmare