Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri will have to adapt his methods to make sure he gets the best out of Eden Hazard, according to Paolo Di Canio.
Hazard was outstanding for Belgium at the World Cup in Russia, with his performances prompting a spike in speculation linking him with a move away from Stamford Bridge.
However, he remains a member of Sarri’s squad for now as Chelsea prepare for their opening league game of the new season, away at Huddersfield on August 11.
Di Canio, who played in the Premier League with Sheffield Wednesday, West Ham and Charlton Athletic, has concerns over whether the free-spirited Hazard can flourish under the Italian coach’s rigid style.
“For example, a player like Hazard wants to play free on the pitch but we know that Sarri wants players to respect a specific role on the pitch. Sarri will need to work on it.”
Sarri led Napoli to second place in Serie A in 2017-18, finishing four points behind champions Juventus having led the way for most of the season.
He has been praised for his side’s elegant passing football and Di Canio feels the Chelsea job is a deserved reward for the 59-year-old’s achievements in his coaching career.
“I’m happy [for Sarri] because he deserved it [to be the manager of Chelsea],” said Di Canio. “He paid his dues.
“He arrived in Napoli where he got lot of points and he was so close to interrupting the domain of Juventus. Now, he finds himself into another reality.
“I don’t want to compare Napoli with Chelsea, but Chelsea are a world-class club in terms of organisation. And the Premier League is the best football league in the world.”
Sarri 59, was appointed Blues boss last week after fellow compatriot Antonio Conte was sacked despite winning the Premier League title in 2016-17 and FA Cup in 2017-18.
Former Chelsea and Italy striker Gianfranco Zola also returned to Stamford Bridge as assistant to new manager Maurizio Sarri.
As a player, Zola helped the club win two FA Cups, one Uefa Cup Winners’ Cup, one Uefa Super Cup and one League Cup between 1996-2003.
“For me it is an amazing thing. I am pleased to be here,” said Zola.
Zola, who resigned as Birmingham City manager in April 2017, has joined Chelsea’s pre-season tour of Australia.
Roberto Martinez, the Belgium manager, told Spanish radio recently that Hazard should consider leaving Chelsea to further his career.
The forward, for his part, responded to the Real Madrid reports by telling journalists last Saturday: “You know my preferred destination.
“I can decide if I want to stay or go but Chelsea will make the final decision – if they want to let me go.”
Sarri said he wanted to meet Hazard, who is away on holiday after representing Belgium at the World Cup.
“I would like to have fun during the week with him. This would mean very good results and mean we would have been very competitive during the season,” added the 59-year-old Italian.
Asked if he planned to phone Hazard – or any other player linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge – Sarri added: “A telephone call without looking them in the eye would not give me any certainty.
“I’d like to meet them face to face. I would also like a player to come on the [training] pitch four or five days to have a clear idea.”
Hazard is yet to return to Chelsea following an extended break due to his involvement in the World Cup.