Jose Mourinho Talks Eden Hazard, Chelsea Relief, More After Champions League Win

Jose Mourinho basked in Chelsea's 4-0 UEFA Champions League win over Maccabi Tel Aviv. He also stated he won't stop Eden Hazard from taking penalties after the Belgian missed from the spot, since his side get so few penalties in the Premier League.

The Blues survived the early penalty miss from Hazard to win via goals from Willian, Oscar, Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas, as noted by BBC Sport's Andy Cryer.

Afterwards, Mourinho looked ahead to Saturday's Premier League game against Arsenal, per ESPN's Miguel Delaney:

The cynical among you might think the Chelsea gaffer took a covert dig at Gunners counterpart Arsene Wenger, assuming the Portuguese manager already knew Arsenal had lost. The Gunners had fallen 2-1 in Croatia to Dinamo Zagreb, according to BBC Sport's Mandeep Sanghera.  

What's more likely is Mourinho was simply relieved by a welcome win after enduring a disastrous start to his Premier League campaign. Chelsea have picked up a measly four points from five league matches, so a win in Europe is a major fillip for their confidence.

Mourinho referenced confidence in his post-match interview with BT Sport but insisted he won't get carried away by one win, according to the channel's official Twitter feed:

Asked about Hazard, who skied a spot-kick wide early on, Mourinho said he's unconcerned if the Belgian opts to take penalties in the future, per ESPN's Miguel Delaney:

Mourinho's sarcastic reference to a perceived lack of decisions going Chelsea's way in the Premier League aside, it's Hazard who will decide if he steps up for further spot-kick duty, according to the club's official Twitter account:

Hazard did yield to Oscar against Maccabi. But he may see things differently with Premier League points at stake.

Outwardly at least, Mourinho is unconcerned. He should be. Earning an important win and putting a stop to recent struggles is the real news here.

Chelsea have got their big players firing again at the perfect time. Now the reigning champions can kick-start their domestic campaign.

A downbeat Arsenal squad already look like easy prey at Stamford Bridge.