Eden Hazard admits Chelsea are still learning to play under Maurizio Sarri but believes the club are benefitting from his different approach to the game.
Sarri avoided defeat in his first 12 games as Chelsea boss following his arrival in west London but has since faced criticism over his tactical approach with the Blues now 12 points off Premier League leaders Manchester City.
Speaking in an interview with The Times, Hazard noted the differences between the Italian and former managers Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho, admitting the current Blues side do not attack sides on the counter as much as they once did.
While Hazard admits he can understand some of the frustration, he insists he is enjoying player under a “great” manager in Sarri.
“Possession! Possession! The manager likes possession! He’s a lot about statistics. Numbers. Possession. Shooting. Goal opportunity,” Hazard said.
“In the past we used to play more counterattack. It is different with Sarri than with Conte and Mourinho. Sometimes we keep possession, and I understand the fans want us to go forward [more directly], but it is part of the football.
“We are still learning about his concept. We are doing well. I like this kind of football.
“Sarri is a great manager. He’s an old man but the way he thinks is the same way I think about football.
“When we have the ball, we have a lot of freedom, not just me but the striker [Gonzalo Higuaín] and the right [attacker] Willian or Pedro, so we can move a lot.”
