Mourinho explains Hazard substitution against Maccabi

Jose Mourinho says substituting Eden Hazard during Chelsea's 4-0 Champions League Group G victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv on Tuesday was not a slight on the Belgium international's performance.

Mourinho appeared to be frustrated as Hazard made a slack pass during the second half at the Sammy Ofer Stadium and the player made way for Pedro shortly afterwards in the 69th minute.

Chelsea were labouring at that stage, 1-0 up against 10 men, before a customarily brilliant Willian free-kick sparked further late goals from Oscar and Kurt Zouma.

Speculation over a possible rift between Mourinho and Hazard, last season's PFA and Football Writer's Player of the Year, have accompanied Chelsea's dire start to their Premier League title defence.

There is an apparent difference of opinion over Hazard's best playing position, with Mourinho stating this week that he preferred to use him as a winger while the player favours the number 10 role.