He continued: “I only knew the league through television and having played against English teams in the Champions League and Europa League, but it is very hard. Now we have to prepare for the next game”, he added.
Advertisement
Man-of-the-match Hazard put Chelsea ahead from the penalty spot and, following James Collins’ equaliser, Diego Costa struck a last-gasp victor to seal a 2-1 victory on Monday.
He made 49 appearances for the the club last season, scoring six times and providing nine assists.
The controversial Spain global was booked by referee Anthony Taylor for dissent during the Blues’ 2-1 win against West Ham United on Monday (15 August) and has suggested he is not being treated fairly. “I’ll be honest, I am targeted here, by the referees, the people. if I do something, it’s totally different than if any other players do it”.
The Italian made a winning start to life in the Premier League on Monday Night Football, with Diego Costa netting an 89th-minute victor to secure a 2-1 victory over West Ham at Stamford Bridge.
‘Cesc is Chelsea’s player and I’m happy with his attitude and behaviour.
He added: “It’s not easy, but we must try and we must find the right motivation, the right spirit to fight”.
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said he did not see Costa’s challenge on Adrian, but Bilic told Sky Sports that the striker should have been sent off.
“I knew it was a bad tackle”. He likes to communicate, to make me understand his idea of football here.
Jose Mourinho guided the Blues to Premier League glory in 2015 but finished a disappointing 10th last season, with Guus Hiddink replacing him on an interim basis in December following a surprising decline.
“I don’t know what he (the referee) wanted to do, but he didn’t give it and that’s it”.
Advertisement
Liam is ESPN FC’s Chelsea correspondent.
