Hazard: Champions League games are hindering Chelsea
Battling in Europe on top of Premier League commitment has been Chelsea's main problem this season, says striker Eden Hazard.
Eden Hazard believes Chelsea's problems this season are partly due to the team having to spread their energies over several competitions, with the Champions League particularly taking its toll on the Blues. Chelsea play host to Barcelona in the first leg of their Last 16 tie in little over a fortnight's time.
Hazard reels at Chelsea's non-stop schedule
Antonio Conte led the Londoners to the Premier League title in his first season in English football; prior to that, Chelsea had failed to qualify for Europe after finishing 10th in the 2015-16 campaign. But with European commitments adding to their domestic duties, Chelsea have struggled to maintain their form from last season, sitting fourth in the Premier League after successive defeats against Bournemouth and Watford.
Chelsea were also beaten by Arsenal in the semi-final of the EFL Carabao Cup last month, with Hazard citing extra games as a reason for Conte's side finding life harder this term. "I think the Premier League is difficult," the player told ESPN FC. "It's hard to win every year. Last year we didn't have the Champions League. This year we have less time to be ready for the games. Every week there are three games."