New Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is confident he can help the club’s stars play to the best of their ability. 

Chelsea had a woeful season last term as the side fell into free fall, eventually somewhat recovering to finish in 10th overall, but miles off the mark set by champions  Leicester City.

Hazard was among the players who were significantly off the pace last term, having been the Blues’ shining light as they claimed the Premier League title in 2014-15.

Conte, who oversaw a 2-0 defeat against Rapid Vienna in the side’s first pre-season clash on Saturday, believes he has a talented squad.

‘These players, with work, can still improve a lot, said Conte, reports Goal. ‘Because now we have players, fantastic players, who have great talent but in this moment the world doesn’t think they are the same level as Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo or Paul Pogba.

‘Because now we have players, fantastic players, who have great talent but in this moment the world doesn’t think they are the same level as Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo or Paul Pogba.

‘But in our squad there are players who, with work, can improve a lot and reach this level. I’m sure about this.’

The coach, who enjoyed a successful spell at Juventus before taking the reigns of the Italian national side, believes the club’s mentality is crucial.

‘It’s important that the players understand they must work to show that “Now I am a top player, but I want to become top, top, top, top and want to stay there”‘, he said.

‘The mentality is important. The heart is important. Patience and the will to improve is very important. And in this case it’s important for the manager to take the best players and try to improve them,’ he concluded.