Eden Hazard has voiced his support for under-fire manager Antonio Conte, insisting he can turn Chelsea’s season around.
Having guided the Blues to the Premier League title in his first season, life in English football has been far from fruitful this season for Conte, whose position at Stamford Bridge has come under threat.
The Italian boss has criticised his employers for their tight transfer strategies, fuelling fears of a summer departure. Hazard, though, believes Conte is the man for the job.
Antonio Conte is the right man for the Chelsea job, insists star man Eden Hazard
‘We win together, we lose together,’ he said. ‘I don’t sense there’s any player who’s not with the coach.’
Friday’s 4-0 victory over Hull ensured Chelsea are still on the hunt to avenge their FA Cup final defeat last season, with a quarter-final clash at Leicester to look forward to, and they are also clinging onto a top four place and face Barcelona in the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday.
Conte is well and truly up against it, he and his player know this, but Hazard is confident the Blues boss’ men can do a job on the La Liga giants.
The Italian’s position has come under threat due to ongoing rows with the Blues board
He added: ‘Everyone is behind him. All we want is to climb the table — and give everything against Barcelona.
‘We will see what happens after.’
Chelsea are entering what will be seen as a pivotal period in their season, and could be one that determines Conte’s destiny.
Their next eight fixtures hold their last 16 European tie with Barca, back-to-back away trips to both Manchester clubs, London derbies with Crystal Palace and West Ham separated by a visit from top four rivals Tottenham, with their FA Cup last eight clash with the foxes also in the mix.
The Belgian playmaker believes Chelsea will fight to stay in the Champions League
And while Conte’s future hangs in the balance, he will hope that if he can persuade Hazard to stay at the Bridge past this season, with fears growing around a switch to Real Madrid.
Wednesday’s visit of Barcelona is Hazard’s dress-rehearsal for his suitability in a Real shirt, but he insisted he is only interested in playing for Chelsea and Conte.
Hazard said: ‘For the time being I’m here, there are still some months to go and competitions to try to win, then the World Cup is coming up.
‘I’m here, I still have 2½ years on my contract. I’m very settled here and playing every game.
Despite his apparent loyalty to Chelsea, he admitted he was flattered by interest from Real.
He commented: ‘Yes, but it’s been several years now they’re interested — when it’s not Real, it’s Paris, when it’s not Paris, it’s Real. I’m happy where I am. The fans like me a lot and my family likes it here. We’ll see.’
Hazard’s future is also a fear at Chelsea with speculation he could be joining Real Madrid