Conte has his Blues believing

Chelsea’s revitalized winger Eden Hazard has been challenged to step up his performances even further after making an impressive start under new Blues boss Antonio Conte.

Hazard, England’s Footballer of the Year in 2015, endured a difficult campaign last season when Chelsea finished 10th. Manager Jose Mourinho was sacked and the Belgian international failed to score a Premier League goal until May.

However, the former Lille player appears to have rediscovered his mojo.

There were glimpses of a revival at the end of last season under caretaker manager Guus Hiddink and again at Euro 2016, despite Belgium’s quarterfinal exit.

Now, with Conte in charge and stability restored at Stamford Bridge, the 25-year-old, who captained his country in France, has started the new season in sparkling form.

He scored a superb goal after only nine minutes as Chelsea beat Burnley 3-0 on Saturday to make it four straight victories in all competitions and leave the Blues flying high.

Goals from Willian and Victor Moses completed what was a hugely encouraging victory for Chelsea — but there was no doubt Hazard was the inspiration.

“Eden is a fantastic player, working very well with a great attitude. After the first day, I saw this. I saw his will to work and improve and find a good shape very quickly,” Conte said.

“I can also say that his performance can still improve. But I’m pleased with his commitment and work-rate ... and the same goes for all the players.

“Their attitude is good, and I like this.”

Challenge

Hazard’s early-season form hints at good things to come for the Blues, who are hoping to challenge for the title despite the huge amounts of money spent by rivals such as Manchester United and Manchester City.

Conte, who came straight to Stamford Bridge after guiding Italy to the quarterfinals of Euro 2016, has transformed the attitude at Chelsea — and getting the best out of Hazard could be key to future success.

“I’m pleased for him, but also for Pedro as a winger too,” said Conte, who brought the former Barcelona wide man on against Burnley and saw him set up the third goal a minute from time.

“These are players with great talent, fantastic in one versus one situations.

“When you have these players with great talent, it’s good for me to put them in the best condition to excite with that talent.

“We are working on these aspects, to put the players in the best condition to show their talent.”

The only frustration for Conte is that after such a quick start to his new career in England he has to face an international break as most of his players head off to play for their countries in World Cup qualifying matches.

“It’s a pity that now there is this international break,” the manager said.

“After three wins, I wanted to continue playing games. But we have to stop.”