Maurizio Sarri wants 40 goals from Eden Hazard

Maurizio Sarri has backed Eden Hazard to win the Golden Boot, and says he has told the attacking midfielder he can score 40 goals this season.

Hazard scored a hat-trick in Chelsea’s 4-1 win over Cardiff City on Saturday to take his tally to five goals in five matches this season.

Last season’s Golden Boot was won by Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, who scored 32 Premier League goals, with Tottenham’s Harry Kane second on 30.

Hazard’s record total in a league season is the 20 goals he scored for Lille in Ligue 1 in 2011/12, but Sarri has faith that the 27-year-old can double that haul this campaign.

Asked if Hazard can win the Golden Boot, Sarri said: “I think so. We have spoken and I told him he can score 40 goals. He has to improve some things, but he can do it.”