Chelsea boss Sarri reveals how he re-focused Hazard

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri says it was "easy" to refocus star forward Eden Hazard after a summer of transfer speculation.

Hazard was heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid following a stellar World Cup with Belgium, with many reports suggesting he was top of Madrid's wish list to replace Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, while club and international team mate Thibaut Courtois made the move, Hazard stayed at Stamford Bridge, and has begun the season in superb form.

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In an interview with Sky Sports, new boss Sarri said his talisman was unfazed by the summer-long saga, and backed him to keep getting better.

"He doesn't get influenced by the media and what happens around him. As long as he's having fun and he plays. And he loves playing football.

"It is easy to stimulate Hazard - as long as you let him have fun.

"But you need important objectives for important players. And he can improve if he becomes a little bit more aggressive and gives the best of himself."