Ancelotti: Hazard's problem is that his coach is picking other players instead

Eden Hazard returned from the October international break with a knock, but didn't then play a single minute for Real Madrid in Sunday's Clasico even though he is now fully recovered.

Carlo Ancelotti has discussed the Belgian's standing and explained that he prefers other options right now, as evidenced by the fact he selected Rodrygo for El Clasico, with the Brazilian responding with an assist.

"Hazard is ready, but his problem right now is that he has a coach who prefers other players, which can happen in a squad like this one," Ancelotti said at his Tuesday press conference.

"The important thing is that he stays motivated and works hard so that he can play again, and he is doing that.

"His time will come. I'm convinced he'll be back to his best at some point this season.

"He just needs to put up with this situation for now, as sometimes the coach can prefer other players."

One of the players Ancelotti prefers right now and who is a fixture in the starting line-up is Vinicius and the Italian was asked about the winger's great form.

"What I like most about Vinicius is he always tries to make things happen, playing with intensity and working hard," the coach said.

"He still has to improve without the ball. He'll achieve this because he is humble."

Ancelotti insisted during the press conference that he doesn't need to work much on motivating players like Vinicius or Hazard or anyone else.

"I have a group who motivate themselves, so that's what I work on least," he stated.

"These players are very committed."

Discussing the Wednesday night opponents, the Italian warned that Osasuna can be a dangerous team.

"Osasuna are a good team who are doing well, with intense football," he said.

"We'll must be careful with this match. It could be a complicated game."

Finally, Ancelotti also had his say on the scenes at the Camp Nou as Ronald Koeman was abused when trying to leave the stadium in his car.

"He's not a coach, he's a person whose job is a coach," Ancelotti said of Koeman.

"Such lack of respect means we have a problem in society."

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