Eden Hazard didn't play anything like the reigning English Player of the Year last season but the Belgian wizard appears to be reinvigorated under the tutelage of Antonio Conte.
Hazard scored just four league goals last season as the wheels fell off José Mourinho's title-winning side. This season's return already stands at a healthy two goals from three appearances, including a brilliant curled effort in yesterday's 3-0 victory over Burnley, and after the match Hazard was quick to praise new boss Conte for the impact he has already made in the Stamford Bridge dressing room.
Speaking to Chelsea TV, Hazard said that it was Conte's experience of playing top level football which helps him to understand the players' needs and motivate them further. Conte, who starred as a player for Juventus between the mid-90's and 2001, won five Serie A titles and a Champions League as a player - a trophy haul which comes in direct contrast to Mourinho's playing career.
He's tried to give us confidence. He knows players because he used to be one. We had one bad season but we are trying to do better. He tries to motivate us and we are giving everything.
He told me to sometimes to go inside, sometimes to stay wide and open up the game. He wants me to score some goals and make a difference.
Chelsea will need Hazard to be firing this season if they are to have any hope of challenging for the title but Conte also seems aware that the Blues' woes in the transfer market over the course of the summer could undermine the improvements being made on the pitch.
