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.
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The holders claimed just a fourth win from 13 games of the 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.
Hazard’s form has been in stark contrast to the displays which helped Chelsea to a Premier League and League 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.”
