Eden Hazard has praised “great manager” Maurizio Sarri but says “we will see” what the Italian is like when Chelsea enter a bad spell.
The Blues have enjoyed a blistering start to the Premier League season under new boss Sarri, who replaced Antonio Conte at the helm in July, winning their first five games before Sunday’s 0-0 draw at West Ham.
Hazard experienced problems under ex-manager Conte after the relationship between the pair allegedly broke down to the point that the Belgian was on the verge of joining Real Madrid in the summer.
However, Hazard has been in tantalising form since Sarri took over – registering five goals and two assists in six Premier League games – and when asked by Sky Sports if he was enjoying life under the new head coach, Hazard said: “Of course.
“We try to keep the ball. When you are an offensive player you just want to keep the ball.
“We create a lot of passes and chances. Yesterday we had a bit of trouble [against West Ham] but I think the beginning of the season was great.
“He is a great manager, but it’s easy to say when you are winning games. We will see in a bad moment. For sure he is a great manager, and he showed that to the world.”
Chelsea are next in action at Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night – live on Sky Sports Football – before hosting the Reds in the Premier League on Saturday.
Their 3-2 win over Arsenal in August has shown they can compete with the other top six sides this season, but with many tipping Jurgen Klopp’s men to challenge for the title, Chelsea’s next two games will be telling of their own credentials.
Hazard’s team-mate N’Golo Kante believes the Blues can “enjoy a good season” if they keep working as they have done thus far.
“I am enjoying the role [under Sarri],” he said. “It is a new challenge for me.
“I try to understand the move and the right players’ combinations.
“I think we are doing well. We need to keep working and keep improving and I think we can enjoy a good season together.”