Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho says dropped Eden Hazard must work harder defensively to get back into first team

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Jose Mourinho has warned Eden Hazard he must improve his work-rate or get used to life on the bench.

The Belgian winger, Player of the Year last season, was dropped as Chelsea beat Aston Villa 2-0 and the manager explained it as a tactical move.

'I left out Hazard because we are conceding lots of goals,' said Mourinho. 'We need to defend better. We need our midfielders to be just worried in the central area of the pitch, not worrying about compensation on the left or right.

Eden Hazard came off the bench for Chelsea against Aston Villa after being left out of the starting line-up

Jose Mourinho said the winger was left out because Chelsea have been conceding too many goals

Hazard was Premier League Player of the Year last season but has struggled for form in this campaign

'Playing with Willian and Pedro, the midfielders don't have to move left or right. They know those parts are controlled.

'It was leaving super quality on the bench, but bringing tactical discipline and hoping the team could be solid.

'I will continue that way, or he comes in our direction and tries to emulate the same work that Willian and Pedro put in.'

Hazard's situation is sure to alert Real Madrid, long-term admirers of the 24-year-old who was signed three years ago from Lille for £32million, and signed a new £200,000-a-week deal in February which ties him to Chelsea until 2020.

Mourinho added: 'I told the players that this is not the moment to think about themselves or their personal situation, a moment to moan or try to be selfish in the approach.

'This is a moment for the team, just the team, and nothing else. It is a moment when I have to make decisions to try and bring results back. When we have better stability in our confidence levels, then we'll go back to what we were.'

Hazard (right) training with Chelsea ahead of the 2-0 victory against Aston Villa on Saturday

Jose Mourinho said Pedro and Willian would play until Hazard proved he could be more effective defensively