Hazard relishing Chelsea’s ‘fresh start’ and discusses West Ham clash

Eden Hazard says Chelsea’s players are relishing the chance to make amends for last season, starting with Monday’s London derby with West Ham.

The Blues finished 10th in the Premier League last term, their worst finish in 20 years, but the Belgian believes new manager Antonio Conte will revive the team.

Hazard told Chelsea’s official website: “It’s a new season, a fresh start, a new manager and a couple of new players.

“We have all been working together for a few weeks now and the new manager has a new philosophy and he wants to play a different style. That’s always good.

“We will see how the first game of the season goes, but I hope we can be much better than last season.”

Chelsea’s campaign begins against West Ham, who took four points off the Blues last season.

However Hazard is hoping for a repeat of the March 2013 encounter at Stamford Bridge, when he scored a fine goal in a 2-0 Chelsea victory.

“I remember that one,” he said. “I think Juan Mata was there at that time and I played a one-two with him, then put it in the net. That was good.

“I like to play against West Ham because it’s important for the fans as well, it’s always like this when we play against another London team.”