Eden Hazard: Jose Mourinho’s ‘mind games’ have improved me

Eden Hazard has credited Jose Mourinho’s influence as one of the major factors behind his improved form for Chelsea.

The 22-year-old Belgium international netted the Blues’ equaliser as the west Londoners came from behind to beat Liverpool 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

What people don’t know is that he’s close to his players

Eden Hazard on Jose Mourinho

That strike was the playmaker’s ninth in all competitions this season, with Hazard also having notched up four assists.

And the midfielder feels that he is blossoming under Mourinho’s tutelage at Stamford Bridge.

“I score more goals now and I assist more,” Hazard is quoted as saying by the Daily Telegraph. “I can play an average game and score two times. But I can also play a top game without contributing.

“I think Jose Mourinho likes me. He’s sometimes provocative, he loves to play mind games. He launches things to motivate players in a positive way.

“What people don’t know is that he’s close to his players. He leaves me alone, lets me work and when he has something to say, he tells you to your face but always with a friendly pat on the back. He’s a top coach, a great personality.”