Guus Hiddink Comments on Eden Hazard's Play, Ego and More

A big ego is often seen as an unfavourable trait in football, but interim Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink wants to see Eden Hazard rediscover his in a bid to get the winger playing back at his best.

Morale at Stamford Bridge is at an all-time low following what's been Chelsea's worst start to a season in recent memory, and Hiddink wants Hazard to revive last season's form, per the Press Association (h/t Sky Sports):

"

He had a terrific season last year and it's also normal you can have a setback after that. 

But I think he can be a key player again.

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.

"

The Blues' two-time Player of the Year has failed to score in 24 appearances across all competitions this season, a steep fall from the player who managed to net 19 goals last season and 17 in the campaign before that.

Hiddink has been installed as a temporary replacement for Jose Mourinho—at least until the end of the season—and his immediate job will be to steer the club back toward the kind of form that won the 2014-15 Premier League crown.

Tim Ireland/Associated Press

Hazard will be essential in that regard. It wasn't long ago he was being talked about as a potential Ballon d'Or contender in the years to come, but his confidence has evidently been shaken by this season's concerning displays.

BT Sport posted footage of Hiddink proclaiming his players need to "look in the mirror," insisting personal turmoil will be the first obstacle for his squad before they can conquer any external threats:

Perhaps it would be unfair to expect the same standards from the Belgium international season after season, but there's little doubt that something has changed in 2015-16—something more than simply a bad patch in his career.

Belgian football expert Michiel Jongsma illustrated just how distraught the winger must be in the wake of his startling plummet this term, suggesting a hug is all that's needed to get Hazard firing again:

The 24-year-old faces a mental challenge unlike any he's ever known if he's to regain his stride. Even during his days with Ligue 1 outfit Lille, Hazard was a consistent attacking force to be reckoned with.

The forward was taken off early in Chelsea's 2-1 defeat to Leicester City, prompting speculation he'd faked the injury in an effort to "boycott" Mourinho's management, per Metro's Jamie Sanderson. However, Jenny Brown of WhoScored.com stated Hazard's commitment isn't in doubt:

Chelsea have scored 21 goals in 17 Premier League games this season, which is 17 fewer than the tally they'd managed at this point last term, and Hazard could be seen as the most prominent factor in that collapse.

The Premier League champions are in a rush to rescue their campaign, and Hiddink has wasted little time in highlighting Hazard and his ego as critical factors in ensuring that turnaround is realised.