Eden Hazard praises Jose Mourinho impact

Chelsea forward Eden Hazard has revealed that Jose Mourinho's "provocative" management style is what is bringing the best out of him this season.

The Belgium international, who scored the equaliser in the 2-1 win over Liverpool on Sunday, has been in impressive form this season, scoring eight goals so far.

Hazard also said that Mourinho's "mind games" are what motivates the squad, but also insisted that the Portuguese coach is very close to his players.

"I score more goals now and I assist more," he told The Telegraph. "I can play an average game and score two times. But I can also play a top game without contributing.

"I think Jose Mourinho likes me. He's sometimes provocative, he loves to play mind games. He launches things to motivate players in a positive way.

"What people don't know is that he's close to his players. He leaves me alone, lets me work and when he has something to say, he tells you to your face but always with a friendly pat on the back. He's a top coach, a great personality."

Hazard joined Chelsea from French side Lille in 2012.