Conte charges Hazard to copy ‘genius Iniesta’ ahead of Chelsea-Barca UCL showdownd

By Daily Sports on March 14, 2018

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has described Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta as a “genius” and challenged Eden Hazard to emulate the Spaniard by winning major trophies.

Iniesta faces a race against time to be fit for Wednesday’s Champions League clash at the Camp Nou, with the tie delicately poised following a 1-1 draw in the first leg.

The midfielder has been included in the squad after recovering from a hamstring injury and his return would represent a major boost to Barca’s hopes.

Conte said Chelsea would have to play the “perfect game” to reach the quarterfinals and they will need Hazard to deliver too.

Hazard has grown frustrated in recent weeks with his lone role up front but when asked to compare the Belgian with Iniesta, Conte said: “We’re talking about two different players with different careers. Iniesta won a lot in his career, Hazard has to start winning important trophies.”

On the impact of Iniesta’s possible return, Conte added: “I like to compare him with Andrea Pirlo. We are talking about a genius of the football.

“I don’t know if tomorrow he could play. In this type of game it’s right to face the best players and you don’t hope they will miss out with injury.”

Chelsea were unfortunate only to take a draw from the first leg at Stamford Bridge, where Lionel Messi’s equaliser spoiled an otherwise dominant Blues performance.

But Barca are still unbeaten in La Liga and Messi will be well-rested, having sat out Saturday’s win over Malaga to attend the birth of his third child.

“We must have the game to play with concentration, stay with our head in every moment,” Conte said.

“We have to know there are moments we have to suffer because that is not only for Chelsea but every team against Barcelona must be ready to suffer and be compact.

“With the ball you must then have in your head and your heart the feeling you will have the chance to score.”

Conte said Antonio Rudiger is in contention after recovering from muscle fatigue but Ross Barkley (hamstring) and David Luiz (ankle) are out. © AFP

•Photo shows Chelsea star Eden Hazard

Source Daily Sports

Posted March 14, 2018


 

You may also like...
Lukaku Scores Record Goal As Inter Beat Lazio...

Bellerin set for new Arsenal contract to ward...

No more dollars for Eagles, coaches

Arsenal Spank Newcastle To Boost Champions League Hopes...

Buhari, EFCC Should Tell Dalung to Return IAAF’s...

SPORTS: “We will not make the mistake China...

 

Latest News Nigeria beat Cameroon to reach IHF final 27 schools for Doregos Basketball Championship Super Falcons to play France’s Les Bleues in friendly SWAN suspends ban on coverage of Anambra FA activities Joshua among boxing’s top three earners in 2024 Oshoala makes history with Bay FC Nnamani hails team over IHF bright start Flamingos lift U-17 W’Cup Fair Play Trophy Rangers Intl, SWAN partner on sports collaboration in SE LAGOS SWAN CELEBRATES AIG ZONE 2 ON HIS BIRTHDAY AND 30 DAYS IN OFFICE Traders Cup: Upholstery Soccer Team Secured 2nd Win To Advance To Round Two Lagos SWAN Celebrates Oba Akiolu, Iyaloja General, AIG Fayoade

 

Most Read Rangers International going, going . . . (55,142 views) Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (46,269 views) Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (44,351 views) Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (43,992 views) Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (43,932 views) Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (43,879 views) Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (43,718 views) NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (43,289 views) Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (42,333 views) Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (41,036 views) Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (39,490 views) John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (38,917 views)

 

Phone numbers

Tel: +234(0)8066020976
+234(0)8055068145
+234(0)7013416146
+234(0)8094272884

Email addresses

info@dailysportsng.com
support@dailysportsng.com
publisher@dailysportsng.com

Office address

No 3, Adetoun Close, Off College Road, Ogba, Ikeja Lagos.
Website: www.dailysportsng.com

Social Media