Eden Hazard insists that Jose Mourinho has not changed his game fundamentally since returning to Chelsea but says that the Portuguese has made him a better player.
Relations between the two men have not always appeared rosy - Hazard voiced his frustration at Mourinho's counterattacking setup in the wake of last season's Champions League exit to Atletico Madrid, prompting his Portuguese boss to respond by highlighting the Belgian's lack of defensive effort.
However, this season Hazard has been at his imperious best as Chelsea have surged to a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League with just 12 matches to play and, earlier in February, he signed a new contract that is due to keep him at Stamford Bridge until the summer of 2020.
Mourinho has also repeatedly spoken of his affection for Hazard and, in an interview with The Independent, the 24-year-old winger was keen to pay tribute to the positive influence that his coach has had on his performances.
"It's true we do have a special relationship," the Belgian remarked. "What is good about him as a coach is that he lets us play. He lets me play.
"He is not always on at me and I really appreciate that. If it isn't good he says so, if it is good he says so. He is always direct.
"But I don't think he has changed me. He has taught me to become more professional and to be better on the pitch.
"I don't think I have changed my mentality. You can't change that. I am who I am. He has always taught me to get the best out of myself."
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