Chelsea star Eden Hazard says that Jose Mourinho’s verbal assault on him in 2014 handed him the incentive to prove his manager wrong.
Hazard inspired the Blues to Premier League and Capital One Cup glory last season and deservedly picked up the PFA Player of the Year gong for his tireless efforts.
Thirteen months ago, after Chelsea exited the Champions League at the semi-final stage to Atletico Madrid, Mourinho singled out the Belgian and claimed that he was “not the kind of player ready to sacrifice himself 100 per cent for the team.”
However, when speaking to L’Equipe, Hazard insists that the Portuguese’s criticism of him was water off a duck’s back – but says that it gave him the impetus to prove his boss wrong.
“He did indeed express himself in the media. I didn’t take it the wrong way. It allowed me to progress as a player.
“I had the impression that I had played a good match. I was maybe a bit at fault for two of the goals we conceded but aside from that I did well. I forgot all about it quickly.”
Chelsea fans – were Mourinho’s comments designed to help Hazard improve? Let us know below.
of course yes, jose comments made him a better player.
facts just reveal themselves…..so eden mind less about jose’s words and continue to upgrade his talent
Mr Hazard is a free road player if u give im ball just relax bcus he has what make im more confidence on bal pls Mr Mour our team main man stil neem sometins like knowin hw to play freekick, out side box shot, nd goal mentality etc help us blend im more xo dat we 2 may av world best player in our team tnx.
I think hazard improved a lot after José mourinho’s comment and it helped the team a lot.
He was better than good and can be the best IF he could improve on increasing his scoring chances perfectly (accurate free kick and out side box shoot)……..We really have a qualitative man in him..RIDE ON HAZARD!!!! We love you,José &rest
Na i dnt rili think thats what inspired him. Naturally he is a great player i just think it is he’s intinctive desire. A more free kick abilities n long range screamers, as for solo effort he is good at that then increased hunger fr goals could land him a world best. He likes assists alot, i think that should reduce, he shuld look and grave fr goals.
Everyone need a touching word that will make one discover who you are and what you are capable of. Eddy is wise but Mourinho is wiser. Hazard should find time to sit himself down and thank God and Mourinho. ”Yes” Mourinho’s comments on him (Hazard) made him a public figure. The statements made Hazard to believe in himself. He grabbed it and he positively make use of it. Thanks to Hazard for understanding.