x_Carla_x |
|
| Chelsea new-boy Eden Hazard feels the European champions will be the team to beat in the UEFA Champions League this season.
Hazard, who has taken English football by storm since his £32million move from Lille, believes the Blues have become an even bigger scalp since their astonishing Champions League triumph last season.
It was that European Cup success which convinced the 21-year-old to snub other major offers in favour of a move to Stamford Bridge but he is fully aware how difficult the trophy will be to defend.
Complicated
Indeed, no club has ever retained the Champions League crown but Hazard is convinced it can be done.
"It will be complicated as now we are the team to beat, as Chelsea won the Champions League last year," he told UEFA's official website ahead of Friday's Super Cup clash with Atletico Madrid.
"We also know it will be difficult to win it twice in a row.
"The most important thing is to take it one game at a time and see what we can achieve.
"For a club like Chelsea, the goal is to win the Champions League every year, even though we know it will be difficult."
Europa League winners Atletico narrowly failed to qualify for the Champions League but will look to show others the way in Monaco on Friday.
However, Hazard has other ideas as he eyes the first trophy of his Chelsea career.
Trophy
"They are a great team with great players," he said. "I hope it will be a good game and that we win, to claim my first trophy for Chelsea.
"But we expect nothing less than a tough match against a great team. It will not be easy."
Hazard has played just three games for Chelsea but such has been his impact, he is already regarded by some as their key player this season.
But the playmaker, who will travel to Monaco with his new side on Thursday, said: "I am not here to be a star, to show off. I am here to play for my team-mates."
Sky Sports |
| | |
