Guus Hiddink offers weak defence of Eden Hazard after Roy Keane’s stinging criticism

Guus Hiddink was never likely to agree with Roy Keane.

However the Dutchman plotted a careful course around any war of words with the Corkman this afternoon as he responded to criticism of Eden Hazard's performance against Paris Saint Germain. The Belgian's support among Chelsea fans took a hammering when he suggested before the game that he would be open to a move to PSG. Keane took great offence to that and, after another sub-par performance on Tuesday night, the Irish assistant coach told ITV viewers that he’d have a very short-tempered response if he was a team-mate of the forward.

"If I was one of his team-mates I’d kick him up and down the training pitch. Some of the senior players have got to get hold of him. "A talented, talented boy but his attitude, even last night, he’s like a spoilt child. It’s absolutely ridiculous."

On Friday Hiddink tried to speak up for his player and, to be honest, it wasn't exactly convincing. Hiddink admitted Hazard had another mixed night in blue, but did at least sprint once during the 90 minutes against PSG, that he can remember anyway.

"We had our talks with him, every now and then small conversations, how to step up to the next level. That's what his wish is. I hope that he will step up as soon as possible. "Sometimes he has what he is able to do. I remember once he had a sprint on our right hand side. That's the old Hazard and we hope to see that more frequently."

One sprint is all Hiddink can remember from Hazard’s performance, which is not exactly man-of-the-match territory. It’s a bit like being remembered for taking a good throw-in. What would Keane think of that?