Conte: Chelsea players can reach level of Messi, Ronaldo

Antonio Conte has a knack of wringing the best out of his ranks, and is backing himself to lift certain Chelsea players to the levels of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

While overseeing Italy at Euro 2016, misfits such as Emanuele Giaccherini and Eder surpassed expectations as the Azzurri surprisingly reached the quarter-final stage.

Now in London, former Juventus midfielder and manager Conte has even loftier goals.

"We know that when you have great players with great talent like (Eden) Hazard in the team, the expectations are very high," Conte said. "Also, when the season before you have won the title and Hazard has been named the best player in the league. It's important for us to recover Hazard in the best condition: technique, tactical, physical, overall and with the good mentality.

"But I spoke with him and I'm very happy. For me I'm pleased to train a fantastic player like him and also the other players. In Chelsea, with Hazard there are many players with great talent - Diego Costa, many players. I don't want to say the names but many, many players."

Conte is right in highlighting Hazard as pivotal for the Blues' fortunes. The Belgian was PFA Player of the Year for the 2014-15 term as he dribbled and weaved his way to 14 goals and nine assists, but the next season was largely miserable and partly to blame for a drab 10th-placed finish. Following flashes of old for the Red Devils at the summer's European Championship, it's hoped Hazard can return to his dominating best - or even surpass it.

"We have players, fantastic players, who have great talent but in this moment the world doesn't think they are the same level as Messi, (Luis) Suarez, Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo or (Paul) Pogba," Conte continued.

"In our squad there are players who, with work, can improve a lot and reach this level. The player must understand that there is the ability to work to prove and to show that, now I am a top player, but I want to become top, top, top and want to stay there."

Following a season where many Chelsea representatives appeared to put their feet up, Conte is an ardent taskmaster and could be the ideal remedy for the issues at Stamford Bridge. He's not abrasive though, highlighting the strong relationships he develops with his players as a strength.

"I always give education and respect but I demand the same, for all the people that work with me. I give them this and I demand this," he said. "This was taught to me by my family, to give education and respect to all people. If I don't have this, you are asking for trouble, for a problem."

Chelsea was beaten 2-0 by Rapid Vienna in Saturday's first preseason friendly, and next faces another Austrian side in Wolfsberger AC on Wednesday.

The Blues begin their Premier League campaign with a visit from West Ham United on Aug. 15.