Eden Hazard denies rift with Jose Mourinho, speaks about new role in Chelsea

Eden Hazard thrived in the no.10 role against Norwich

Chelsea star Eden Hazard has dismissed reports of a rift with his manager Jose Mourinho this season and has even gone so far as to call the Portuguese tactician "the best manager for Chelsea.", according to ESPN. The Blues, who were crowned as Premier League champions last season, have had a dismal 2015/16 season so far and currently sit 15th in the Premier League, with their 1-0 victory over Norwich coming after three straight Premier League losses – the heaviest one being the 3-1 thumping inflicted by Liverpool.

Hazard, who has had a lacklustre season by his standards so far, was reportedly unhappy at Stamford Bridge due to differences cropping up between him and Mourinho and he was rumoured to be preparing for a move to Real Madrid. But the winger has put that speculation to rest with his latest comments on Mourinho.

“I heard a lot of things about this, but no, everything is good with him,” the Belgian said on Sunday.

“I don't have a problem with him. He is the best manager. He is the best manager for Chelsea and we hope we can win a lot of trophies together.

“Maybe not this season because it will be difficult, but next season and on."

The 24-year-old, who arrived at Chelsea for a reported £32 million fee back in 2012, has been an integral player for the Blues over the years, with his 19 goals playing a big part in their successful Premier League campaign last season. He won a host of award including the Chelsea Player of the Year and the PFA Player of the Season, among others, but has seen a slump in form this campaign and is yet to register a goal in the Premier League this season.

Hazard said he had no problems with Jose Mourinho

Hazard likes playing in the no.10 role

Hazard showed signs that he was getting back to his best in the recent victory over Norwich, with the winger proving to be excellent as a number 10 against Norwich – in an energetic display.

“We spoke before the Stoke game,” Hazard said, according to Daily Mail.

“I said to him: ‘Maybe we have to try something, to change sometimes. Maybe I have to play no.10, because we have to try.’ We did and I played a good game in the Cup in Stoke, and this was the same, against Norwich.

“I like playing No 10. When I was young I played there. Sometimes there is more freedom, sometimes not. Against compact teams, it’s difficult to find space but we have good players and they’re able to pass and move.

“I don’t know if I have to play every game as a No 10. I just want to play. I will play as a left winger, too. I just want to be on the pitch. It doesn’t matter if that’s in the middle or on the flanks.”

Hazard is all set to feature against Maccabi Tel-Aviv on Tuesday in the Champions League while further fixtures with Tottenham, Bournemouth, Porto, Leicester, Sunderland, Watford and Manchester United are set to take place before the New Year.