Hazard: Mourinho wanted to send out a message by dropping me

The Chelsea attacker admits his underwhelming form this season means he is no longer untouchable at the English champion, which has struggled to get going this season.

Eden Hazard admits he is no longer untouchable at Chelsea after a string of underwhelming performances this campaign.

The Belgium international was one of the best performers in the Premier League last term and won a host of individual trophies as he helped Chelsea to the league title.

However, he has been unable to replicate that form in 2015-16 so far and has received his fair share of criticism in recent weeks.

Hazard recently acknowledged that he has been struggling this season and he now believes he is no longer an undisputed starter.

"It is true that I am no longer untouchable. You can be untouchable when you are playing well, but that has not been the case this season," the 24-year-old was quoted as saying by La Derniere Heure. "I was even benched against Porto. I think the coach wanted to send out a message by dropping me.

"But we have a large squad at Chelsea and we will need everyone."

Chelsea's poor run of form has seen manager Jose Mourinho's position come under threat, but Hazard remains confident the Portuguese can turn things around.

"I do not read everything that he says and everything that is being written about him, but I am not worried too much for him," he added. "Mourinho is the best coach in the world to deal with this type of [presure}