Jose Mourinho has spoken out about Eden Hazard, and said the Belgian could potentially have an even better season than the one he had when the Blues won the Premier League title last campaign.
The 24-year-old was named as the Player of the Year after several outstanding appearances under Jose Mourinho last season, as he helped the Blues fire towards Premier League glory, looking unchallenged from Christmas.
However, the Portuguese manager, Joe Mourinho is now setting Hazard a challenge to have an ever better season. The Blues boss this season has his eyes on retaining the Premier League title, as well as looking for his first Champions League triumph as the Chelsea boss.
To repeat the awards, Â I believe he has got to get better, because the normal tendency is for people to find another star.
People find somebody new to get these individual trophies. But he has all the conditions to improve. With his age he can improve.
Last season, Eden Hazard was the Premier League’s most fouled player, and now Mourinho wants protection for the former LOSC Lille star from match day officials.
I would like more protection for him, but it’s beyond my control.
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 ten players in Europe last year. In my opinion he should be in the top three not in the top ten. 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.
Finally, Mourinho went on to talk about how the club go about things, and his targets for the season,
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 CL 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.
