Eden Hazard hints at potential Chelsea stay next season

Chelsea attacker Eden Hazard has hinted that he could stay put with the Blues beyond the current campaign after acknowledging that manager Maurizio Sarri think about football in the same way as him. The 28-year-old has just 17 months remaining on his existing deal with the Blues and this has intensified speculation regarding his future beyond the summer.

Amidst this, Sarri has regularly praised the Belgian for his qualities on the playing field and Hazard has now returned the same by expressing his pleasure of working with the former Napoli boss, he told The Times: "The manager likes possession! He's a lot about statistics. Numbers. Possession. Shooting. Goal opportunity. In the past we used to play more counter-attack.

"It is different with Sarri than with [Antonio] Conte and [Jose] Mourinho.Sometimes we keep possession, and I understand the fans want us to go forward, 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 [60, meaning experienced] but the way he thinks is the same way I think about football."

“Hazard has certainly found his best form under the guidance of Sarri and he has already contributed 13 goals“ and 10 assists and remains on course to experience his best-ever season. Still, his future remains uncertain beyond the current season with Real Madrid planning an approach and “the forthcoming months could“ give the clear indication regarding his future.

Meanwhile, Sarri’s position with the Blues could be hanging in the balance despite Hazard’s praise, given the Blues’ hierarchy are said to want the minimum of Champions League football for next term. The west London outfit are currently occupying the fourth position on the standings but their place remains far from assured with Manchester United and Arsenal hanging on their shoulders. The Blues could also qualify for the elite competition through winning the Europa League this term.