Courtois baffled by Conte’s decision to take off Hazard
THIBAUT COURTOIS has questioned Chelsea manager Antonio Conte’s decision to substitute fellow Belgian Eden Hazard during the 2-1 Premier League defeat at Manchester United on Sunday. Hazard was taken off after 73 minutes, with Jesse Lingard scoring United’s winner two minutes later. Talking to Belgian radio station Play Sports, keeper Courtois said: ‘After our goal, we conceded a counter-attacking goal just like last Tuesday — then 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. ‘I have no explanation for the substitution of Hazard. I did not expect it, but it’s the manager’s choice. He’ll explain it. I can’t look into his head. ‘Of course you want players like Eden to have 90 minutes on the pitch. He can always bring something extra.’ Conte’s decision to remove his most effective attacking outlet proved costly as the defeat left fifth-placed Chelsea six points behind secondplaced United and outside the Champions League qualifying places. Meanwhile, Chelsea will delay contract talks with Courtois until after crucial games at Barcelona and Leicester. Negotiations were expected in February amid interest from Real Madrid, but no discussions took place. Chelsea will offer Courtois more than £200,000 a week but player and club agree the talks should not take place ahead of key games. Chelsea only have two chances left to win silverware this season — in the Champions League and FA Cup. Therefore, they want to deal with their decisive second leg against Barcelona at the Nou Camp on March 14 — the first leg was 1-1 — and the FA Cup quarter-final against Leicester on March 18 before serious talks can start.