It’s time for Hazard to be a winner
ANTONIO CONTE has called on Eden Hazard to copy his example and win things.
Conte revealed he would not consider dumping Barcelona out of the Champions League something to crow about.
Chelsea need a victory tonight in the Nou Camp, or to gain a 2-2 draw – like they did in 2012 when they left Lionel Messi in tears after the Catalans’ Champions League semi-final exit.
But Conte insisted such an outcome would not feature high on his CV.
“I hope in my career I consider an achievement when you win something,” said the Italian, who landed the title in his first year with the Blues and landed Serie A three years in a row with Juventus.
“I think this is a big achievement for a manager, for a coach. In this case, we are talking about the last 16.”
It was a pretty clear message to his team not to get carried away if they come out on top tonight.
And Conte also gave a big nudge to Belgium star Hazard, who was nowhere near his best in the 1-1 draw with Barca in the first leg at Stamford Bridge last month.
Having earlier described Andres Iniesta – who is set to shake off a hamstring injury and start tonight – as “a genius” the Blues boss was asked whether Hazard also deserved that plaudit.
“We are talking about two different players with different careers,” he said. “Iniesta won a lot in his career. Hazard has to start to win important trophies in his career.” Hazard made it crystal clear after the home game he did not enjoy playing through the middle, as he was asked to do by his boss.
Despite insisting last night Hazard can play as a false 9, Conte is expected to allow him to go back out wide tonight and bring in Olivier Giroud as a central striker.
Despite Barca being hot favourites to win, history is on Chelsea’s side. They have not lost to the La Liga giants in their last eight encounters, six of them draws and two victories.
The most celebrated success came in 2012 when the Blues secured a 2-2 draw with 10 men – after John Terry’s dismissal – at the Nou Camp. That took them through to the final against Bayern Munich where they won on penalties.
In that semi-final second leg Messi missed a penalty and ended up sobbing. Then teammate Alexis Sanchez revealed later: “You might cry during a game if you lose a final. In the dressing-room after the Chelsea game, I saw Leo cry.”
Conte suggested he could see it becoming another ‘tear we go’ encounter tonight for the Argentine genius. “Barcelona are one of the best teams in the world,” he said. “They are winning the league, they are in a final of the Spanish Cup.
“They have all the characteristics to have a great season. But, as you know very well, you are never sure with football.”
While Messi and Hazard have commanded plenty of attention in the build-up, Chelsea’s hopes of progress could hinge on the far-less revered Willian.
The 29-year-old was the man of the match at Stamford Bridge, scoring a superbly struck goal from outside the box and also hitting the post twice. Willian has scored five goals in his last five outings.
Barca boss Ernesto Valderde was well aware of the Brazilian’s threat. “He has been playing really great with Chelsea,” he said. “He is a player we have to watch closely.”