Maurizio Sarri has had his first press conference as Chelsea manager, and there was plenty of interest from the journalists in what the manager’s plans were now he’s finally installed at Stamford Bridge.
Top of his list of things to do is trying to persuade Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard to stay at the club. The Italian said he wouldn’t be speaking to them before they return from their holidays in three weeks, but it’s hard to imagine there being no contact.
Sarri says Eden Hazard is one of the top two or three European players and he is looking forward to having fun working with him in training and on matchdays. He hopes to improve our Belgian, which he says will be difficult considering he is already at such a high level! #SarriCFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 18, 2018
When asked about Hazard, Sarri’s tone was immediately positive though, as he listed the Belgian winger as one of the best in the world.
Notably, he also repeatedly used the word “fun” when describing his methodology. That’s been something Eden Hazard has felt has been lacking at Chelsea under his last few bosses.
👀 "Hazard is a very high-profile player"
Sarri names Hazard in Europe's top three and reveals plan to improve star
More 👇 https://t.co/52jVnvOBkC
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) July 18, 2018
Let’s hope that the new man in charge at the Bridge can convince Eden that Real isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and that staying in the Premier League, playing exciting attacking football, is the better option.