Conte wants Chelsea to show their Champions League class against Atletico

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has challenged Eden Hazard to take the Champions League by storm this season. The Premier League title holders have begun the defence of their domestic crown impressively with four wins from their first six games, despite having been unable to call upon their star forward for the majority of the new campaign.


Hazard underwent ankle surgery in the summer but has stepped up his recovery in recent weeks, making four substitute appearances and playing the full 90 minutes in last week’s Carabao Cup demolition of Nottingham Forest.

Conte believes Hazard is now back to full fitness and hinted he is likely to start Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid, confident the 25-year-old is capable of making a huge impact on Europe’s elite club competition.

Last season Eden played a really important season, he played very well and was important to win the league, said Conte. Last season he showed in every game great talent and to be a really good player, a top player.’

Hazard scored 16 Premier League goals last season in what was arguably his best ever campaign for the Blues.

But without Champions League football he was unable to show off his talents on the European stage.

Conte added: This competition is very important for him and the team as it brings you on another level. He has all the possibility to do this, He is totally fit and in contention for today’s game.