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Cardiff v Chelsea: Eden Hazard hopes 'next season will be better' as Chelsea winger targets final victory for fans

The Blues have seen their challenge for the Premier League and Champions League end in recent weeks and Hazard is targeting better fortunes next term

Matt McGeehan
Sunday 11 May 2014 13:56 BST
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Eden Hazard, no doubt seeing the example made of Mata, knuckled down and started tracking back
Eden Hazard, no doubt seeing the example made of Mata, knuckled down and started tracking back

Eden Hazard hopes Chelsea can finish the season with a Premier League victory against Cardiff on Sunday before launching a trophy assault next term.

The Blues will end the season without silverware for the first time in three years, but with confidence restored after a sustained Premier League title challenge.

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Jose Mourinho's men also reached the Champions League semi-finals, only to fall to Atletico Madrid as the Spaniards reached their first European Cup final in 40 years.

"The Premier League is objective number one and this season we were almost in the final of the Champions League, almost champions in the Premier League," Hazard told Chelsea TV.

"I hope next season will be better."

Hazard has been in sparkling form this term and is determined to finish the campaign on a high at Cardiff City Stadium after last weekend's goalless draw with Norwich.

He added: "It's very important because we lost two points in the last game against Norwich and we need to finish with one victory for the fans.

"I hope for a good game and we want to enjoy on the pitch."

The Cardiff match could be one of farewells for Chelsea players including Ashley Cole - and captain John Terry and midfielder Frank Lampard, if the pair can shake off a knock and illness, respectively.

Like the distinguished trio, Samuel Eto'o is also out of contract at the end of the season, but an injury in training on Friday means he is doubtful.

Mourinho hopes to rouse his players for one last effort, something he admits is difficult with Chelsea's ambitions for the campaign over.

The best the Blues can finish is second, but only if Liverpool lose to Newcastle.

Mourinho told Chelsea TV: "You could see against Norwich it's difficult to find the right energy, the right mental approach when the season is over.

"No more objectives. You know that you finish in that position. You know that you don't finish fourth, you know that you don't finish second. The season is over.

"Some players now they turn completely to the World Cup and to the fears before a World Cup. This is a real difficult moment to be at a high level.

"But of course you put on the shirt, you go for a Premier League game, you have to find the minimum required to perform and to try to get a good result."

PA

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