Eden Hazard says he is battling through the toughest stage of his career.
The Belgium international was the standout performer as the Blues cruised to last season's Premier League title, but he is yet to find the net this term.
Indeed, Last season's PFA and Football Writers' player of the year has not been the same influential force and a string of disappointing performances saw him dropped from the side to face Porto in the Champions League last month.
Hazard's alarming dip in form has gone hand-in-hand with the club's disastrous start to the new season, which forced Chelsea's hierarchy into an emergency board meeting following defeat to Southampton last Saturday.
The Blues are 16th with eight points from as many games, but Roman Abramovich and his board have granted Jose Mourinho time to turn the tide, providing the English champions remain in contention for a top-four spot.
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And Hazard, who is enjoying his current spell away from west London with the Belgian squad, is determined to reverse Chelsea's fortunes.
"This is perhaps the most difficult period of my career. There are always ups and downs. I'm not certain what the problem is," he said.
"But we have to keep working hard to improve. It's always good to spend time with the national team, and even more so when things aren't going well for your club.
"I know I can do better. I have to be able to help the team win."
