Jose Mourinho believes he is helping Eden Hazard to improve by influencing the way the Chelsea winger “feels football”.
The 23-year-old Belgium international has blossomed under Mourinho’s guidance this season, scoring 12 goals in 26 Premier League appearances.
It’s his talent. I am just trying to do my job and help him like I help everyone
Jose Mourinho
Hazard was hit-and-miss during his first season under Roberto Di Matteo and the Italian’s successor Rafael Benitez following a big-money move from Lille in 2012.
On Friday, Russia manager Fabio Capello admitted he feared facing the in-form Chelsea winger in the World Cup, crediting Mourinho for Hazard’s improvement this season.
“We face him [Hazard] in Rio in the second group game, Russia-Belgium,” Capello told Gazzetto dello Sport on Friday. ” June 22, I have got that date in my head. Hazard is the revelation of the European season.
“I have seen him mature, become convinced of his abilities. He is both entertaining and effective. Mourinho can be proud of his work. I say this because his fingerprints are all over this, for sure.”
Asked to reveal how the Chelsea manager had managed to take Hazard to the next level, Mourinho replied: “I think I am influencing the way he feels football and the job, and that is improving him a little bit more.
“It’s his talent. I am just trying to do my job and help him like I help everyone.”