Hazard willing to adapt for Chelsea

By ESPNSTAR.com staff

The highly sought-after player made his first appearance against Premier League opposition during Chelsea 2-3 defeat to Manchester City, but had minimal impact on the game before he was replaced by Ryan Bertrand. However, Hazard told the Daily Express that he was pleased with his Community Shield experience.

"I've already found what I came for in England - beautiful stadium, beautiful pitch, big atmosphere and a very competitive match," he shared.

The attacking midfielder was brought down several times by City defenders during the fixture, but Hazard insisted the physicality of the English game was an aspect he had anticipated.

"Beyond the result, I am happy with that first test. I felt at ease. It's very fast and I believe it's a perfect style of play for my qualities. I'm here to play these very intense games. In France, it could be intense during 10 or 15 minutes but the match can be very quiet during the next 10 or 15 minutes. Here, it is always at the maximum," he said.

"I was stopped sometimes by big tackles, but people have always tried to stop me playing hard. But when it's fair like that it's OK."

Chelsea took the lead late in the first half thanks to Fernando Torres, but went into the break with a numerical disadvantage after Branislav Ivanovic was sent off. The former Lille player admitted he was disappointed at the game's outcome and that going on the defensive was not a style he was used to.

"The first half was encouraging but the red card killed the game. Down to 10 players, it was really difficult because City pass the ball very well," Hazard revealed.

"I had to defend a lot in the second half and it was very hard physically."

Blues manager Roberto Di Matteo started Hazard on the left side of an attacking trio that also comprised of Torres and Juan Mata. Although the attacking midfielder professed that he was used to being more central to his team's attacks, he fully intends to adapt to Chelsea's style of play.

"I have just arrived and the main thing for me is just to play - in any position, I would play left-back if the coach told me to do so. I'm in a big club and there are a lot of talented players," Hazard said.

"I'm the new one in the team, so it's my job to adapt. I had more of the ball with Lille, in a free role, but now I have to do better playing with less of the ball."

Chelsea visit Wigan for their opening fixture of the new season this Sunday.

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