Eden Hazard has jumped to the defence of his Chelsea boss

Despite winning the title in style last year, there has been an air of negativity around Stamford Bridge since May.

Boss Conte has been criticised for his handling of striker Diego Costa, who has not returned to the club since the end of last season.

The forward was told via text he was no longer part of the plan at Chelsea, and subsequently decided to stay in Brazil over the summer.

The fiery boss has also lamented the Chelsea's transfer business, with transfer targets such as Romelu Lukaku, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Fernando Llorente all turning down a move to the Blues in favour of other title rivals.

Costa has been shut out by Conte over the summer

However, Hazard has jumped to the defence of the 48-year-old, claiming he is 'one of the best managers in the world'.

"You know on the bench, he has got a lot of energy moving along the sidelines and shouting instructions," Hazard told MailOnline.

"But I think we need this personality in the squad to win football games.

"I think we have got one of the best managers in the world. So we are really happy with him."

Chelsea have started the season well despite off the field matters, which gives Hazard confidence that it will be a successful season in West London.

"It is difficult - especially when you play in many competitions," he added.

"This year we have the Champions League as well and it is not easy to succeed in multiple competitions.

"But we will do our best and we have got depth in our squad so sometimes maybe one or two players can rest so they are 110 per cent for the next competition."

Hazard is almost back to full fitness

Chelsea must get past Atletico Madrid, Roma and Qarabag in the Champions League group stages if they are to have any chance of winning the competition, something which Hazard is desperate to do.

He said: "We just want to win as many trophies as possible.

"For me personally I haven't won the Champions League so maybe that one would be a little bit more special, but I would prefer us to win everything."