Iconic Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele has insisted that Maurizio Sarri has the right tools at his disposal "to make history" at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian boss has kicked off his Blues tenure with four wins from four in the Premier League, keeping the club in contention for a sixth title at this early stage.

Makelele, who lifted two of those previous top-flight crowns during his five years in West London, is "confident" that his former side can overhaul reigning champions Manchester City thanks to the quality of players available to Sarri.

"I think Chelsea changed a lot," he is quoted as saying by FourFourTwo. "Before now you have a lot of teams in the Premier League, it's competitive. Manchester City, Manchester United, and also the smaller teams have good players.

"So it's going to be difficult for them to win the Premier League. I'm confident. He still has good players - [Eden] Hazard is there, [N'Golo] Kante is there.

"These kinds of players give a different story about Chelsea than the way we knew Chelsea before. I think he has the capacity to make history for Chelsea again."

Chelsea return to action on Saturday afternoon with a home match against winless Cardiff City.