London: Newly appointed Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri called Eden Hazard as one of the top players in Europe currently and said that he wants to speak with the Belgium international to discuss his future face-to-face. Hazard had earlier spoken about discovering something different during the World Cup in Russia. Sources have predicted that the Chelsea star is a prime target for Real Madrid.
“I want to meet him face to face and understand what’s the best thing for him. Hazard is one of the top two or three European players,” Sarri, who took over from predecessor Antonio Conte said in his first news conference at the club.
Sarri also added that he doesn’t just want to phone the players who are yet to return to pre-season training because a telephone call without looking in their eyes will not give any certainty.
The former Napoli manager also revealed that he will play a slightly different way from Conte and wants more quality in the midfield area to fit his preferred approach. Chelsea have already signed midfielder Jorginho from Napoli this off season.
Zola appointed assistant coach
London: Chelsea have named Wednesday, former Italian footballer Gianfranco Zola as their new assistant manager to head coach Maurizio Sarri. “For me it is an amazing thing. I am very willing to work hard because it is going to be a difficult challenge but I am pleased to be here, and to work hard with Maurizio to be successful,” Zola said. The 52-year-old played for Chelsea from 1996 to 2003 and has scored 80 goals for the club.