sport news Sarri admits he did not plan to use Eden Hazard against Slavia Prague

Maurizio Sarri admits he did not plan to use Eden Hazard against Slavia Prague but was forced to use Belgian to spur late winner, as Italian praises resolve shown by Blues backline Chelsea are in a strong position to book their place in the Europa League semis  Eden Hazard came off the bench to add some late drive to the Blues attacks  Marcos Alonso scored the only goal as they beat Slavia Prague away from home   Maurizio Sarri praised rearguard action shown by his men in the Czech Republic 

By Nick Purewal, Press Association Sport

Published: 23:36 BST, 11 April 2019 | Updated: 23:36 BST, 11 April 2019

View
comments

Maurizio Sarri admitted he was forced to throw Eden Hazard into action in a bid to rescue the Europa League quarter-final first leg at Slavia Prague.

Chelsea head coach Sarri concedes he did not want to use Hazard at the Sinobo Stadium, but the Blues' lacklustre showing forced his hand in the second-half.

Marcos Alonso's late header saved Chelsea's night, with the Blues now expected to complete the job in next week's second leg and reach the semi-finals.

Maurizio Sarri admitted that he wanted to leave Eden Hazard on the bench in Prague

Maurizio Sarri admitted that he wanted to leave Eden Hazard on the bench in Prague

Sarri's men face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday in a key battle in their bid for a top-four Premier League finish, with Hazard doubtless now not as fresh as originally planned.

read more from dailymail.....

NEXT Jake Paul, Amanda Serrano in action: Fight card, odds, date, opponents, start time, complete guide