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Chelsea's
Eden Hazard showed glimpses of his best form against Norwich
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Eden Hazard was at a loss
to explain his and Chelsea's dramatic slump in form as the playmaker showed
glimpses of his best in Saturday's victory over Norwich. The holders claimed just
a fourth win from 13 games of the Barclays Premier League campaign as Diego Costa's
goal secured a 1-0 success at Stamford Bridge for the Blues to climb above
their opponents to 15th in the table.
Jose
Mourinho's position as manager had been under scrutiny after three straight
league losses for the first time in Roman Abramovich's 12-year ownership. The
Portuguese was subject of a first vote of confidence in that period last month.
Press Association report continues:
Hazard's
form has been in stark contrast to the displays which helped Chelsea to a
Premier League and Capital One Cup double last term, plus a host of individual
honours.
"I
didn't start the season well. I tried to find out why, but I don't know,"
the Belgium forward said.
"Sometimes
you don't know. You have to keep going. I gave everything in training, on the
pitch when I played.
"I
hope I can get a lot of form and try to help the team win games."
Hazard
was deployed as the central playmaker, rather than his more usual left-wing
role, and thrived against the Canaries.
He
had spoken to Mourinho about playing in the number 10 position prior to the end
of Chelsea's League Cup defence at Stoke, when Hazard missed the decisive
penalty in a shootout.
"I
said to him: 'Maybe we have to try to change something. If I can play number
10?' And we try," Hazard added.
"I
played a very good game in the (League) Cup in Stoke. And, (against Norwich),
it was the same.
"I
just want to be on the pitch. And if I play number 10 or on the flanks it's not
a problem."
The
discussion is something which shows their relationship is good, contrary to
rumours suggesting Hazard was angling for a move to Real Madrid, a subject
which was off the agenda.
"I
heard a lot of things about this, but no, everything is good with him,"
Hazard added.
"I
don't have a problem with him. He is the best manager. He is the best manager
for Chelsea and we hope we can win a lot of trophies together.
"Maybe
not this season because it will be difficult, but next season and on."
Chelsea
hope to build on the win, firstly at Maccabi Tel Aviv on Tuesday, while games
with Tottenham, Bournemouth, Porto, Leicester, Sunderland, Watford and
Manchester United lie in wait before the end of 2015.
Hazard
said: "We want to keep going like this and we want to finish in the end in
the top four."
Chelsea
have endured a miserable start to the season domestically, but can qualify for
the Champions League knockout stages with victory in Israel, if Porto beat
Dynamo Kiev.
While
Chelsea are looking up, Norwich's focus is on Premier League survival, with
boss Alex Neil aggrieved not to be awarded a penalty when Robbie Brady was
bundled over by Willian in the first half.
Neil
was continually hounding fourth official Roger East after referee Craig Pawson
made the call, with Mourinho keeping his counsel after long complaining Chelsea
are wronged against by officials.
"I'm
there fighting for my team," the Scot said.
"Referees
have got a difficult job but the bottom line is if you don't remonstrate, and
you don't ask for decisions and you don't appeal for them, ultimately you won't
get them. It's as simple as that.
"It
would be interesting if Jose managed one of the bottom teams what his thoughts
would be because it's very different, I can assure you.
"When
you're not at at home and everybody, apart from those in a wee corner, are
shouting at the referee and putting him under pressure, it's very different.
"And
not only that, he has got a high-profile manager standing at the side like Jose
shouting in the fourth official's ear about decisions as well.
"Referees
are only human so it is going to have some effect somewhere along the way.
"Whether it makes a
difference in the decision or not remains to be seen."
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