Hazard says he is a fan of ‘Sarri-ball’ in public backing of under-fire Chelsea boss, despite frustration of being played out of position

And the Blues’ talisman also says he is a fan of the Italian’s much-maligned 'Sarri-ball' tactics as he prepares to take on Tottenham – despite sometimes being deployed as a false No9.


Hazard and his team-mates are looking to bounce back from Sunday’s penalty shoot-out Carabao Cup Final defeat to Manchester City by closing the gap on their North London rivals.

But with speculation mounting of a split dressing-room at Stamford Bridge, and the fall-out from Kepa Arrizabalaga’s refusal to be subbed at Wembley, things are heating up for Sarri.

Speculation is mounting he could be axed if his side lose to Spurs, but Hazard is adamant the whole squad are together going in to the crucial showdown.

Speaking to Chelsea’s official website, the 28-year-old Belgian attacker said: “We are all together. We are all with the manager.


“I know this month was a bit hard but we need to be together, stay together, if we want to do something at the end of the season.

“At the moment we have a bit of pressure because the fans want us to be in the top four, but we’re Chelsea and we can deal with the pressure. We will win games and that’s it.”


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Much has been made of the ex-Napoli coach’s tactics, but after a much improved display against City following a dire run in the build-up, Hazard assured supporters the players are all behind the manager and his “Sarri-ball” philosophy.

He added: “We are there. This is a hard game but we can close the gap a bit on Tottenham.

“We have the potential to be in the top four but we don’t have to think about that. We just have to think game after game and try to win one more game.

“We are playing for him [Sarri], the club, the fans and us. It’s not just about the manager. He puts the players on the pitch and then it’s down to the players to take responsibility.

“On Sunday we played a fantastic game, we need to look at that and try to repeat it. Then the manager will be happy.

“It’s a derby, a good game, the fans are waiting for this game.

“If we can play like we want, like the manager wants, and get a good result, it will be good for the rest of the season.”

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