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Chelsea's Eden Hazard praises Antonio Conte and makes apparent dig at Jose Mourinho

The PFA 2014/15 player of the year Eden Hazard (R) scored three goals in the PL last season under Jose Mourinho (L)
Image: The PFA 2014/15 player of the year Eden Hazard (R) scored three goals in the PL last season under Jose Mourinho (L)

Eden Hazard appeared to take a sly dig at Jose Mourinho after inspiring Chelsea to a 3-0 win over Burnley.

Hazard struggled for form as the Blues toiled under Mourinho last season but looks reinvigorated under new boss Antonio Conte.

The Belgian scored a superb opening goal, racing half the length of the pitch before curling home from 20 yards after just nine minutes.

He continued to torment the Burnley defence as further goals from Willian and Victor Moses maintained Chelsea's perfect start to the campaign.

And afterwards Hazard praised the impact of Conte, who enjoyed a successful playing career with Juventus and Italy, unlike Mourinho who never made the grade as a player.

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Hazard's solo stunner

"He's tried to give us confidence," Hazard told Chelsea TV. "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.

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"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."

Hazard says he is enjoying his time playing under Antonio Conte (L)
Image: Hazard says he is enjoying his time playing under Antonio Conte (L)

It was a tough afternoon for Burnley, who offered nothing in attack and could have been on the end of a bigger defeat but for some fine saves from Tom Heaton.

"We know they're a top side but we're really disappointed with that," the goalkeeper told Burnley's website. "We didn't go about it how we usually do and came up very short.

"From minute one, it wasn't what we're about and it's frustrating, especially after the highs of (beating Liverpool) last week.

"It was a busy afternoon and if you don't quite get it right these teams can hurt you with the quality they have out there.

"The biggest frustration though is ourselves because we weren't at it and we've come unstuck. It's a lesson for us and hopefully we can put it right over the international break."

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