Hazard no problem for Chelsea boss Sarri

Chelsea head coach Maurizio Sarri has not held discussions with Eden Hazard over the star forward’s future and insists there is “no problem” with the Belgium international.

Hazard’s future has been a subject of speculation over the close-season, with his superb showing during Belgium’s run to the semi-finals of the World Cup again prompting links to Real Madrid.

Sarri replaced Antonio Conte as Stamford Bridge boss early in pre-season and he is looking forward to working with the 27-year-old, who will not feature in Sunday’s Community Shield against Manchester City at Wembley after being granted an extended post-Russia 2018 break.

“I talked with him, we didn’t talk about this,” Sarri said, when asked about Hazard’s future plans.

“We talked only about ‘can I arrive on Monday instead of Sunday?’

“In this moment there is no problem for Hazard.”

Having the best day, thanks to you all!!! #family #fifaworldcup pic.twitter.com/G4la59C9eQ

— Eden Hazard (@hazardeden10) July 15, 2018

Chelsea goalkeeper and Hazard’s countryman Thibaut Courtois has also been the subject of more reported overtures from Madrid, although Sarri is also keen for further additions to his squad alongside £57million midfielder Jorginho.

Nevertheless, the former Napoli coach appears keen to avoid the confrontation over transfer policy with the Chelsea hierarchy that played a key part in Conte’s downfall.

“The table of the last Premier League told me City 100, Chelsea 70 points,” he said.

“We have to try to reduce 30 points and I know only one way: to work.

“My job is this, to improve my players. I will try to do it. I don’t think that every problem can be resolved by the market.”