José Mourinho is confident Eden Hazard has the ability to improve on a season which saw the Belgian crowned the double player of the year and help Chelsea prosper at home and abroad.
Hazard’s performances were key to Mourinho sealing his first Premier League title – his third in all – since returning to Stamford Bridge in 2013. He was, at times, too hot to handle for Chelsea’s rivals and has been compared by Mourinho to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
With Sunday’s Community Shield match against Arsenal fast approaching, Mourinho wants his playmaker to go one better and ensure success domestically is mirrored by a strong campaign in Europe.
Chelsea were knocked out of the Champions League in the last 16 by Paris Saint-Germain, something Mourinho will not accept this season as he aims to win the tournament for a first time with the club.
“To repeat the awards I believe he has got to get better, because the normal tendency is for people to find another star,” said the Chelsea manager.
“People find somebody new to get these individual trophies. But he has all the conditions to improve. With his age he can improve. I talk to all of them [the squad]. Medical department too. I told them: ‘You have to be better.’
“Two years ago we reached the Champions League semi-final but he didn’t play. He didn’t play in Madrid, he played injured at home. So he arrived in that crucial moment not in condition. Last year we didn’t do well and we were out immediately so he also needs a good Champions League. I’m not saying winning, but I say a proper Champions League. But no matter, he is fantastic.
“He’s getting stronger and stronger, not just in his body, but in his attitude. He’s mentally tough. He’s not the kind of boy who overreacts. After a bad tackle he never rolls and rolls like other players do. He doesn’t try and push referees to make certain decisions. Eden is not this guy. He’s loyal and honest and gets lots of respect from opponents because of that.”
Hazard, the football writers’ and Professional Footballers’ Association’s player of the year, was the Premier League’s most fouled player last season. That is something Mourinho hopes the officials will take on board. “I would like more protection for him, but it’s beyond my control,” said the manager, who will spend Monday training with his squad at their Montreal base before the last game of their three-match North American tour against Barcelona in Washington DC on Tuesday.
“The only thing I can do is what I am doing and what Eden is doing, which is to work and work and work to be stronger and stronger. I don’t want to change his mentality or personality. I don’t want him crying or overreacting.
“I don’t want someone to touch his shoulder and he reacts by throwing his hands in his face like some players do. I want Eden to be what he is – absolutely fantastic. Eden is coming with big status now and was voted one of the top 10 players in Europe last year. In my opinion he should be in the top three not in the top 10.
“Let’s see what is going to happen but we have these people. But let’s say John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic are our captains and the others are ready to come. On the pitch Eden leads. He is not afraid to take responsibility. He is not afraid to get the team in a dark situation and bring blue sky again for the team.”
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