Courtois surprised Conte substituted Hazard in defeat at Man Utd

Thibaut Courtois has admitted his surprise at Antonio Conte’s decision to take off Eden Hazard against Manchester United, saying it was a substitution he did not expect.

Conte started Hazard back in his favoured position on the left wing for Chelsea’s Premier League clash at Old Trafford on Sunday after having deployed the Belgian up front for the visit of Barcelona in the Champions League.

But despite Hazard setting up Willian for the opener, Conte made the surprising decision to replace the Belgian winger for Pedro in the 73rd minute with the score 1-1.

Two minutes later, however, Jesse Lingard scored which forced Conte into sending on Olivier Giroud and Cesc Fabregas – with the Chelsea manager later explaining that Hazard’s energy levels had “finished”.

And Courtois admits he was baffled at Hazard’s exit from the Old Trafford pitch because of the winger’s ability to “always bring something extra”.

“I have no explanation for the substitution,” Courtois told Play Sports.

“I did not expect it, but it’s the manager’s choice. He’ll explain it. I can’t look into his head.

“Of course, you want players like Eden 90 minutes on the pitch. He can always bring something extra.”