Champions League Affecting Chelsea’s Title Defence- Harzard

Eden Hazard admits a return to the Champions League has complicated Chelsea’s defence of their Premier League title this season.

The Blues lie fourth in the table after 26 matches, 19 points adrift of runaway leaders Manchester City, and head coach Antonio Conte’s future at Stamford Bridge is in serious doubt after two humiliating defeats in succession against Bournemouth and Watford.

Conte and several of his players have pointed to a relentless and at times unfavourable schedule as a factor in Chelsea’s recent slump, and fatigue has manifested itself in a wave of injuries that has swept through the squad.

Chelsea’s crisis has come at the worst possible time with a Champions League round-of-16 tie against Barcelona looming large on the horizon, and Hazard told ESPN FC that European commitments have made life harder.

“I think the Premier League is difficult,” he said. “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.”