EDEN HAZARD HAS revealed that he is able to produce his best for Chelsea after taking it easy with breaks in training.
The Belgium international has been a talismanic presence for the Blues again this season, with his creative talents helping to keep Antonio Conte’s side competitive at home and abroad.
He has scored six goals and provided four assists across Premier League and Champions League competition, with that contribution offered despite being one of the most fouled players on the planet.
Opponents often target him for rough treatment, in an effort to contain him at source, and that has forced Hazard to rest his body in the build-up to games in an effort to get the most out of his body.
“Do I protect my legs in training? Yes, yes, yes!” the 26-year-old told reporters in the wake of another star showing for Chelsea in their 1-1 draw with Liverpool.
“To be fair, in training I don’t give everything. When we have drills some people go crazy, but I don’t want to be kicked in training. I try to have a break.
“We don’t have many breaks in the season, so I try in training to have more of a rest and then in games I give everything.”
Pressed on whether he feels that he takes a lot of knocks, Hazard added: “Yes. Sometimes I’m feeling a lot. I get a lot of fouls, a lot on my ankle.
“When I’m on the pitch I do receive kicks, but that is part of football and I’m not complaining.
“I do everything for my body when I’m at the training ground. I know my body is strong and I am working on that.
“It is important I do. I’m lucky to have good health, I take good care of my body the best I can.”
Hazard’s next outing could come on Wednesday, with defending Premier League champions Chelsea set to play host to Swansea in midweek.
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