Schurrle expects Hazard to stay at Chelsea

Chelsea forward Andre Schurrle believes Eden Hazard will remain at Chelsea despite receiving public criticism from manager Jose Mourinho.

Hazard heads to the FIFA World Cup with Belgium on the back of a fine season with Chelsea, yet his future has been the subject of speculation.

After the Stamford Bridge club exited the UEFA Champions League to Atletico Madrid at the semi-final stage, the 23-year-old appeared to question the tactics of manager Mourinho, who subsequently suggested Hazard was “not the kind of player ready to sacrifice himself 100 per cent for the team”.

French champions Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with making a move for the forward in the transfer window.

Yet Schurrle, who has just completed his first season with Chelsea, expects to play alongside Hazard again next term.

“The manager and the club know that Eden Hazard is a very talented and good player. I think we should not overestimate these things,” said Schurrle in a press conference held at Germany’s training camp ahead of the World Cup.

“Of course statements were published, but I believe Eden is very happy to be with Chelsea and Mourinho is happy to have him. Next season everything will be all right again.”

Schurrle made 15 starts in the Premier League and a further 15 appearances from the bench last term after arriving from Bayer Leverkusen.

“Things developed the way I wanted. I wanted a fight, I wanted to develop my performances and my body,” he added.

“That’s how I wanted it to be. I am happy that I made that step. But things have to go further. I need to make the next step.”

Asked for his thoughts on Mourinho, the German replied: “I admire his attitude and his way of thinking. It’s all about winning. He wants to win every game.

“He regards every title and every victory as a matter of course, no matter who’s the opponent.

“I admire his will. I’ve never experienced something like this before. His greed for success is impressive.”