Mateo Kovacic revealed the key difference between Frank Lampard and Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea.

The 25-year-old Croatia international was originally signed on a one-year loan deal from Real Madrid last summer where he had a poor season finishing the campaign without a single goal and only one assist but made his move to Stamford Bridge permanent in July.Kovacic explains that the new Chelsea coach Lampard has already improved him as a player: “He gives me more freedom and I can take the ball and go forward. I feel good. A good connection with the coach and all the team. I am a Chelsea player now so I feel better about that. Last year was only a loan. I feel better and more confident than last year.

“It makes me feel more relaxed as last year was difficult and I needed to prove myself. Last year was also good, not perfect, this year I started well and I hope to continue like that. I am missing some part of my game and I can improve and get better, but I think it will come for sure.He added: “He gives us more freedom to play, more creativity. We can change positions. We are aggressive. We are doing well but it is only one month with the coach so we can improve.

However, Kovacic was reluctant to criticise Sarri who is now in charge at Juventus as the former Inter Milan star believes the good-will factor is back at the Bridge, with a strong bond between the players, the manager and the fans.”I don’t know, last season was also good,” replied Kovacic when asked whether this season is more enjoyable.”We had a good connection with that coach [Sarri] and it was also a good year but the connection is good – the fans obviously love him, the players as well.”He is young and understands us, so we have a good connection with the coach.”