Eden Haz it All
Chelsea star Eden Hazard has to match Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, says Maurizio Sarri
Italian boss has challenged Belgian to reach the consistent level two superstars have managed
Andrew Dillon
Updated: 18 Aug 2018, 0:08
MAURIZIO SARRI has challenged Eden Hazard to become the best player in the world.
But Chelsea's new boss reckons it is all down to the Belgian's attitude as to whether he can outshine Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Maurizio Sarri has challenged Chelsea star Eden Hazard to become the best player in the worldCredit: Getty - Contributor
Hazard has been working with Sarri for 11 days since returning to training after a summer of uncertainty over his future.
And Sarri said: "Eden can improve. We are talking about one of the most important players in Europe now but he can improve more. He can be the best.
"It depends on him. The best for technical skill, the best for scoring, but it depends only on his mind.
"Hazard, technically, is one of the best in Europe in this moment.
"It depends on his position on the pitch. In the last five years, Cristiano Ronaldo has played like a striker, Leo Messi like a striker, Eden sometimes like a winger."
The second week of the Premier League sees Chelsea take on Arsenal and Crystal Palace at home to Liverpool
Hazard says the Belgian star needs to add consistency like Lionel Messi and Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Getty - Contributor
Hazard scored 17 goals for Chelsea in a relatively disappointing campaign last season.
The FA Cup win failed to mask a feeble defence of the Premier League title and problems behind the scenes with Sarri's predecessor Antonio Conte. The fallout on the players was tangible with Hazard happy to fuel speculation he could leave — and Real Madrid the leading candidates to snap him up even at £200million.
Sarri admitted: "I was concerned about this problem. But the first time I spoke to him I was sure he would stay.
"Chelsea are one of the most important clubs in Europe. One of the most important clubs cannot sell an important player without buying a player on the same level."
Eden Hazard has never said the words Real Madrid - Sarri
Cristiano Ronaldo has won the Ballon d'Or five timesCredit: Massimo Pinca
Sarri is trying to cope with the shifting sands of his squad while trying to bed in himself as coach.
This evening's opponent Unai Emery faces the same challenge at Arsenal.
And the Italian said: "It's not easy but Emery has the ability to start a new era.
"He won three times the Europa League, and won in France, so we're talking about a very good coach. In pre-season, they have played well.
Chelsea manager Maurizo Sarri admits the pre-season has been difficult for his team
Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has also won the five Ballon d'Or five timesCredit: Getty - Contributor
"Arsenal, this season, can improve and be competitive and fight for a good position. Arsenal can be, for us, a direct opponent for a place in the Champions League."
Cesar Azpilicueta will remain as stand-in Chelsea captain for both managers' first London derby, while Sarri decides who will be his permanent skipper.
Sarri's approach is to hand responsibility to his players for the way they behave — including the food they eat.
He is relaxing the rigid rules that saw tomato ketchup banned in the canteen under Conte.
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Maurizio Sarri says Eden Hazard will stay at Chelsea this seasonCredit: Getty - Contributor
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Sarri said: "My players must be professional not by rules but by a good mentality."
The squad will also be allowed to stay at home the night before games at Stamford Bridge when the season gets into full swing in the autumn.
Sarri added: "That depends on the moment.
"Now, at this part of the season, we need to stay together the day before.
"But, in the future, when we play three times a week, maybe it would be better to stay at home before the matches. It depends upon the moment."