Chelsea star Eden Hazard responds to Jose Mourinho's under-performing jibe

EDEN HAZARD admits he's been below par for Premier League champions Chelsea this season, but has vowed to rediscover his form during the international break.

The Belgian international helped the Blues steamroll their way to glory last campaign with 14 goals and a further 10 assists to boot.

But, so far, has struggled to recapture the same form that earned him both the PFA and Football Writers' Association Player of the Year awards.

Chelsea have suffered early defeats to Manchester City and Crystal Palace, struggled to victory over West Brom and a drew with Swansea.

Manager Jose Mourinho has slammed his under-performing stars, but though he refused to name the individual players - Hazard knows he needs to improve.

He told French publication L'Equipe: "It's obvious. You don't need to know too much about football to compare what I did last season and what I did this season. I'm not as good.

"It's more of a collective problem than an individual one. We're professionals. We knew this season was going to be more difficult... but within the squad we have the quality to bounce back."

"Individually and collectively, we're not up to scratch, starting with me.

"We had a difficult month in August. I hope that the international break will allow me to rediscover my form."