Middlesbrough v Chelsea (tomorrow, 4pm, live on Sky Sports 1)
Antonio Conte gives his Chelsea players “freedom and responsibility” in their spare time – and Eden Hazard is thriving with the same instructions on the field.
Conte was asked about his policy over free time after Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney apologised this week for “inappropriate” behaviour at the England team hotel last weekend.
The Italian head coach said: “After the game, when the players have spare time, it’s important I give them freedom.
“I want my players, when they have spare time (to) take responsibility. When I was a footballer, I had this type of experience after games.
“It’s normal ... if you win the game, that you want to celebrate.”
Hazard is revelling in a 3-4-3 formation which has seen Chelsea win five straight Premier League games, scoring 16 goals without reply.
Conte believes Hazard’s performances are “fantastic”, because he is putting the team first.
“In this moment he’s a great player above all because he’s working a lot for the team,” Conte added.
Diego Costa’s goals have also been integral to Chelsea’s resurgence and Conte is planning to wait to decide whether to start with the striker at Middlesbrough tomorrow.
Costa, who has netted nine goals this season, withdrew from international duty with Spain with a groin problem but returned to training this week.
Conte said: “His physical condition is good. At the moment, he can play.”
