Maurizio Sarri might has one of the best players in the continent under his ranks in Eden Hazard but knows that the defense must be impressive to lift any Silverware, particularly the Premier League in the current season.

It’s funny to hear the manager of the league leaders doubting the credentials of his side after scoring a total of 14 goals with 5 victories from opening 5 games. The Blues have conceded 4 goals against weaker teams in their opening league game of the season, and Sarri knows that they need to be rigid particularly as they approach Liverpool and Manchester city games.

Eden Hazard netted a hat-trick to pull the London club from a goal down to 4-1 victory in the game, but prior to that Cardiff came close to doubling their lead after Sol Bamba’s 16 minutes strike.

When asked about the chances of Chelsea to lift the league, Neil Warnock said: “Absolutely, they are a good side. But against the top teams I think he (Sarri) will be working on certain things at the back. The top teams will find a weakness in certain areas”.

Sarri agreed with the Cardiff boss, admitting: “‘at this moment we are very dangerous in the offensive phase but not as solid as I want in the defensive phase”. “Only eight players arrived for training at the beginning of the pre-season, so I think it’s normal that in this period we have some defensive problems”.

Sarri reiterated his view that Chelsea are still below rivals Manchester City and Liverpool. “In my opinion two teams, Liverpool and Manchester City, are better than us. We have to improve step by step, and my target is to become the best team in England in one year to 18 months.”

However, Chelsea’s resolve will be put to test, with Liverpool visiting in a fortnight’s time, followed by Manchester United next month, Tottenham in November and City by December.