Carlo Ancelotti reveals how he intends to use Eden Hazard next season

Carlo Ancelotti Eden Hazard
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Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed reports that he intends to use Eden Hazard as a striker next season.

With Luka Jovic leaving Real Madrid for Italian club Fiorentina this summer, Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed he intends to use Eden Hazard as back-up striker for Carlo Ancelotti next season.

Ancelotti believes Hazard has the quality to play as a false nine if Benzema is unavailable for selection or is being rested.

Ancelotti said: “We have a lot of options for that position. Benzema is the top one. But, we have to understand it’ll be a strange season with the World Cup in the middle. Given the quality Eden has, it could be good for us to have him there.”

Real Madrid are set to take on rivals Barcelona in a pre-season game in the USA and Ancelotti insists it’s never a friendly between Barcelona and Real Madrid.

He added: “It’s never a friendly against Barcelona. The fact we face them early in the season is good too.

“We’ll both want to win this game here and put on a show, as Real Madrid vs Barcelona always is.”

Although Real Madrid have just won a LaLiga and Champions League double, Ancelotti insists they won’t rest on their laurels.

Ancelotti added: “Winning gives me a lot of happiness so I want to keep this moment of happiness. We’d like to repeat this season what we did last season.

“We are looking to adapt new players into our philosophy. We have room to improve and do better compared to last season. We have more confident and knowledge.”