EDEN RESTS TO ENJOY THE FRUITS OF EUROPA

League win against PAOK Salonika on Thursday with only star man Hazard, David Luiz, Mateo Kovacic and Emerson Palmieri left behind in England.

Asked if Hazard (right) being spared Europa duty could happen more often this season, Sarri said: “Maybe. As you know, for an English team, it is very difficult to play in the Europa League with the Premier League rules. In Italy, after this match, we would play for sure on Monday night.

“In England we cannot ask this so we have to play after 64 hours. It’s not so easy.

“Maybe in two, three or four months it will be a problem.

“First of all, I hope to be in the Europa League in three or four months.

“Maybe I have to rest many players on Thursdays. At the moment, I hope to qualify before the last match of this group – but maybe in the future the players need to rest five, six, seven days at a time.”

Victory in Greece continued Sarri’s perfect start as Blues boss. He has won his first six games and said: “No, I didn’t expect that when I came to England. I am surprised. When I

was in Naples, the beginning was very difficult. Not for a long time but the first month was very difficult.

“Here, at the moment, I am very happy. I am happy with the players. I know that the Premier League is a very competitive competition.

“I know that in the future, probably, I will have to face some difficulties.”

West Ham, Chelsea’s hosts today, have overcome a bumpy start to the season under Manuel Pellegrini. And Sarri said: “The position in the table of West Ham is not reality.”