Antonio Conte sends warning to Eden Hazard ahead of Chelsea v Barcelona
Antonio Conte wants Eden Hazard and his Chelsea team-mates to 'prove their value' against Barcelona
Antonio Conte has told Eden Hazard that the Belgian playmaker will have to be one of Chelsea’s key players if the Blues are to beat Barcelona in the Champions League.
Conte’s side were pitted against the Spanish giants in Monday’s last 16 draw after the Blues finished as runners-up to AS Roma in their group.
Chelsea have beaten Barcelona in the past and successfully made their way past the Spanish club on their way towards winning the Champions League in 2012.
Hazard is widely regarded as one of European football’s top attacking talents and the Blues will be turning towards the playmaker to help inspire them against Barcelona in the new year.
And Conte has talked up the importance of the likes of Hazard enjoying good games when they take on Barcelona next year for a place in the quarter-finals.
Speaking at a news conference at Cobham on Monday, Conte said: “This type of game is a good chance for every player to show the right value, not only for Hazard.
“Every player has to play in the right way.”
Chelsea will return to Premier League action on Saturday when they take on Southampton at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are looking to get themselves back into the title race as they bid to try and defend the trophy they won in Conte’s first campaign in charge at the club last season.
