'I hope Eden Hazard is back for Sunday'
Sunday 28 October 2018 17:30, UK
Maurizio Sarri was very happy to see his Chelsea side recover from a difficult opening 10 minutes and take full control of the match after they cruised to a 4-0 win over Burnley.
The Blues looked set for a difficult afternoon as Burnley burst out of the blocks and pegged their visitors back, but they assumed control after Alvaro Morata's 22nd-minute strike and rarely looked troubled thereafter.
Goals after the break from Ross Barkley, Willian and Ruben Loftus-Cheek sealed the win, which might have been even bigger but for a fine display from Joe Hart, notably to tip Olivier Giroud's header onto the bar in stoppage time.
"For 10 minutes it was very difficult at the beginning," said Sarri. "Then we started to play very well and we managed the match well better than other matches.
"I am very happy for Alvaro, for Loftus Cheek again. I am disappointed for Giroud because today he could have scored and he needs a goal. But everything is okay we played very well, in full control for 80 minutes apart from the first 10."
The win ensured Sarri became the first Chelsea manager to go unbeaten in his first 10 Premier League games at the club, but he insisted he is only thinking about the next game against Derby County in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.
"At the moment we have to start to think to the next match because we have to play on Wednesday in the Carabao Cup and it will be difficult," he added.
"We need to respect them because it will be very difficult and we want to go ahead in the competition."
Eden Hazard was absent as he continued his recovery from a back problem but Sarri hopes to have him back soon.
"I want Eden as soon as possible. I don't know for Wednesday but I hope for Sunday," Sarri said.
The Chelsea boss also played down the moment Morata ran down the tunnel clutching his stomach after being substituted in the second half.
"I don't know exactly, I think it's only a stomach ache and nothing else," he added.
