Eden Hazard: Jose Mourinho first to make me believe I could be world’s best player

Eden Hazard has paid tribute to Jose Mourinho’s influence over him when he was manager of Chelsea.

Mourinho coached Hazard for two years at Chelsea and helped the Belgian become one of the most feared players in the Premier League.

Hazard is now under the guidance of Antonio Conte, but the attacker admitted Mourinho, now the boss at Manchester United, played a huge part in building his confidence.

‘When Jose came he tried to make me one of the best players in England and I think he put this in my mind, that it was possible,’ Hazard told Sky Sports.

‘I started to realise that if I’m playing well in every game I could be one of the best.’

Despite the good times they had together, Hazard was one of several players reported to have helped push Mourinho out the door at Chelsea.

A dreadful start to their title defence two years ago led to Mourinho’s sacking, but Hazard and other key first-team players were accused of downing tools in an attempt to get rid of their manager.

But, Hazard has insisted he does not agonize over his severe drop in form.

‘I don’t know why,’ Hazard said when asked about his poor form under Mourinho.

‘I think every player – maybe managers and staff – we have a responsibility in this bad period.

‘As a player I try to forget, I live in the present. It was a bad year for us with Jose, I was feeling bad for him but football sometimes is like this.

‘You need to keep playing and smiling and then the year after we won again.’

United travel to Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon four points ahead of Chelsea and attempting to cut the gap on leaders Manchester City.

Chelsea cannot afford to lose anymore ground on City with nine points between them and Sky Blues.

MORE : Antonio Conte ready to axe David Luiz from Chelsea squad to face Manchester United