Eden Hazard has told SFR Sport that Chelsea players can play with their eyes closed due to the intensity of Antonio Conte's tactical training.

Conte's arrival in summer 2016 saw the Chelsea squad given extended training sessions that focused on improving their tactical understanding.

After an unconvincing start to last season, the former Juventus and Italy boss' switch to a back three sparked an upturn in form that saw Chelsea lift the Premier League title.

"We work a lot," the Belgium international said. "It's not always easy in training, there are a lot of hours of training, but it bears fruit on the pitch. We play well, we won last year. You can see that that's the key to success: work.

"There's a lot of tactics. It's not always nice as a forward as you have to run, defend and everything, but at least at the weekend, you know exactly what to do, you can even close your eyes and play. That's good."

Eden Hazard said he improved tactically within a week of working with Antonio Conte. Dan Istitene/Getty Images

Asked whether he had improved tactically under Conte, Hazard replied: "You have to. Even after a week I think I had progressed with him.

"But I think he's shown not just at Chelsea but also at Juve that he's a good coach and I think he has some good years ahead of him."

Chelsea had to settle for a 0-0 draw against Arsenal on Sunday, with Arsene Wenger's side picking up their first point at Stamford Bridge in six attempts.

Tiemoue Bakayoko, a summer signing from Monaco, replaced Pedro at the break during that match as Conte gradually introduces him to the Premier League.

He told SFR Sport: "Things went well. What I was able to contribute didn't make much of a difference as we didn't win this match, but I'm happy with my 45 minutes and I hope I'll continue to perform.

"I'm very happy. I have a coach that counts on me, my teammates give me confidence. I get the impression to have been in the family for a long time. I would like to thank the club for counting on me, and I'd like to repay them as much as possible."