‘No leadership traits whatsoever’ – These Chelsea Fans Are Against Player Being Handed Armband Ahead Of Hazard
Soccer Football - Premier League - Newcastle United vs Chelsea - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - May 13, 2018 Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta applauds fans after the match REUTERS/Scott Heppell EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta could be named captain by Maurizio Sarri. The Daily Telegraph reports that the Spaniard expects to be picked ahead of Eden Hazard for the role.
With Gary Cahill no longer an automatic starter, the Blues boss has been taking his time to make a final decision on the captaincy.
However, many fans don’t feel Azpilicueta is deserving of the honour due to his poor form in the early stages of the season:
Erm no. No leadership trait whatsoever in his body. Doesn't even have abilities to make up for it. Our worst starter this season
— ???? (@WidePlaymaker_) 1 October 2018
Be crazy to give it to someone who has struggled to adapt to the new system so much as him.
— Owen Williams (@owen_bush80) 1 October 2018
He needs to improve his form first
— H (@MobsterMaurizio) 1 October 2018
His form has dipped this season, maybe it'll be better if he didn't have the armband. Just focus on his position and role.
— Dan Panda (@cozierpanda) 1 October 2018
Dude can't even defend properly anymore…..i think he should worry more about this than the arm band…
— Stréét (@kh_ace) 1 October 2018
Feel bad for saying this but he shouldn’t even be starting now.
— Critical (@TheCr1tz) 1 October 2018
Others feel that Hazard should be given the nod by Sarri:
If giving Hazard the captaincy means Hazard stays then I'm all for it. Heck even give Hazard a place on the board if it means he stays
— Shivam (@shivamLM) 1 October 2018
I hope not. We need a better RB than him and you don't want your captain benched. Hazard would be a good choice.
— Shaurya Gulati (@gulati_shaurya) 1 October 2018
If giving Hazard,the arm band means he stays..
Don't even blink!
Give Hazard the captaincy!— Derrick Ashimwe (@DerrickAshimwe) 1 October 2018
No has to be eden hazard imo
— ???????????????????? (@CareFreeRomeo) 1 October 2018
Form is not necessarily at the forefront of a manager’s mind when they name a captain. Leadership skills, experience and authority are required for the role.
Hazard may well have many of those traits but the fact that he has yet to sign a new contract will play against him. Sarri is likely keen on Azpilicueta because of his general consistency; his latest performances withstanding.