Chelsea star Eden Hazard takes sly dig at former boss Jose Mourinho after regaining his stunning form under Antonio Conte
Belgian was quick to point out that the new Blues gaffer 'knows footballers' because he has played the game at the highest level
CHELSEA star Eden Hazard has taken a sly dig at former boss Jose Mourinho.
The duo had a tense relationship at Stamford Bridge last season which led to the Belgian's complete loss of form and Mourinho getting the chop as Chelsea lumbered to a 10th place finish.
But things are certainly rosier for Hazard under new boss Antonio Conte with the 25-year-old looking back to his stunning best.
With two goals to his name this season, it is already a stark contrast to the measly four he bagged during the whole of last season.
When asked about his surge in form, Hazard praised Conte but also managed a disguised dig at Mourinho.
, he said: "We give everything for him.
"I'm still the same player. Conte is giving us confidence after a poor season.
"Conte knows footballers, because he was once a footballer..."
Unlike the majority of top managers, Mourinho never managed to play professional football but had a lucky break when Bobby Robson needed a translator after being appointed manager of Sporting CP.
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But Hazard isn't the only player to point out the fact.
After Mourinho was sacked by Real Madrid and replaced with Carlo Ancelotti, Sergio Ramos said: "Madrid needed someone who understood footballers and Ancelotti understands that to perfection.
"He's been a footballer and can put himself in a footballer's shoes."