Lack of ego Hazard-ous

Guus Hiddink has challenged Eden Hazard to rediscover his "ego" to become a key player at Chelsea again. Stamford Bridge's new interim manager Hiddink has prioritised restoring the confidence shattered by nine Premier League defeats this term, and Jose Mourinho's sacking.

The 69-year-old wants Chelsea to locate the strutting self-assurance that underscored last season's league title charge, to guide the Blues away from relegation conflict. Hazard could yet beat hip trouble in time to face Watford at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day, with Hiddink intent on helping the 24-year-old hit back to his best after a miserable opening to the new campaign. "He had a terrific season last year and it's also normal you can have a setback after that," said Hiddink. "But I think he can be a key player again."

Hiddink vowed to restore the ex-Lille star to former glories.

"He is a key player as captain of the national team in Belgium - but also here when he gets back into shape.

"He was unlucky to be injured recently, which was another setback.

"We need to get the ego back for him to perform." Hiddink will oversee Chelsea for the first match of his second spell at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day, while Didier Drogba appears to inch ever closer to joining the Blues' backroom staff. Former Chelsea hit man Drogba sat alongside Hiddink and owner Roman Abramovich for the 3-1 win over Sunderland last weekend. The 37-year-old remains contracted for another season at Montreal Impact in Major League Soccer, but could yet assume a short-term role with Chelsea. Drogba's MLS club have released a statement admitting talks with Chelsea over the Ivorian joining Hiddink's back-room staff on a temporary basis. Montreal Impact want Drogba back for the start of the new season in March, however, leaving talks to continue between the two clubs.

"We are currently in contact with Didier Drogba and Chelsea FC," Montreal Impact confirmed via twitter. "We are doing everything we can to have him back with the Impact in 2016."