Chelsea FC vs Watford - Guus Hiddink urges Eden Hazard to rediscover his ego
Posted Thursday, December 24, 2015 by PA
Guus Hiddink has challenged Eden Hazard to rediscover his "ego" to become a key player at Chelsea again.
Stamford Bridge's new interim manager Hiddink has prioritised restoring the confidence shattered by nine Premier League defeats this term, and Jose Mourinho's sacking.
The 69-year-old wants Chelsea to locate the strutting self-assurance that underscored last season's league title charge, to guide the Blues away from relegation conflict.
Hazard could yet beat hip trouble in time to face Watford at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day, with Hiddink intent on helping the 24-year-old hit back to his best after a miserable opening to the new campaign.
"He had a terrific season last year and it's also normal you can have a setback after that," said Hiddink.
"But I think he can be a key player again."
Hazard proved an unwitting stooge in Dr Eva Carneiro's Chelsea exit in September. Blues medic Carneiro was branded "naive" for rushing onto the field to treat the Belgium star in Chelsea's 2-2 draw with Swansea on August 8.
One of Chelsea's most potent and creative attacking forces last term, Hazard has been a shadow of his former self - but Hiddink vowed to restore the ex-Lille star to former glories.
"He is a key player as captain of the national team in Belgium - but also here when he gets back into shape.
"He was unlucky to be injured recently, which was another setback.
"We need to get the ego back for him to perform."
Quique Sanchez Flores expects to face a reinvigorated Chelsea.
Flores knows Hiddink well having played under him for three years at Valencia, and expects Chelsea's under-performing players to respond positively.
"It's tougher when a team have changed the manager," said the Hornets boss. "The team know that they need to show for the new manager. But we are ready for the experience.
"They play well and they have lots of experience and quality. We are expecting a very tough match.
"I had Guus for three years as a coach. I have a very good relationship with him, he is a very nice man.
"He's always thinking about the ball, about possession. He's worried about the players feeling free. It was 21 years ago - but things change.
"You analyse three games before (you face a team). But Chelsea are now different to what they were under Jose Mourinho, it is completely different."
Watford travel to west London lying 10 points ahead of the fallen champions in seventh place.
They have won their last four matches, including last weekend's 3-0 victory over Liverpool, to move to within a point of the Champions League places.
Flores added: "We know we are on a good run but the feeling I have in the dressing room is that it's no surprise. We have a strong mentality."
Strikers Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney have taken most of the plaudits for Watford's fine form, but the defence have also impressed having leaked just 16 goals in 17 games and kept eight clean sheets.
Flores said: "We are always talking about the strikers, and what they do is important, but I'm completely pleased with the defensive line.
"At the start of the season we had problems scoring but the defensive line was working very hard."
Flores also denied any any interest in Roma winger Juan Iturbe, who has been linked with moves to Watford and Bournemouth.
"We decided the names of the players we want, and he is not in our plans," he said.
"We have other names and if we can get them to Watford in January it would be perfect. If not we will continue with the same players."
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