Conte showed Blues stars who is the boss

BY dropping David Luiz for the past two games, Antonio Conte has sent out a major statement to the Chelsea squad.

Conte is a strong manager and is certainly showing everyone who is in charge. This is football. The manager has stamped his authority and it’s his right to do so.

If there is conflict in the dressing room, it is not the worst thing in the world. Yet it is important that it does not spread as a negative because then it becomes a problem.

The manager obviously thinks it’s the right thing to do in this case.

I can’t believe the choice has been taken solely based on performance.

Luiz’s level hasn’t dropped dramatically, but Conte has decided to send a message and the team have won both fixtures without him.

The two victories does back up his decision in the short term. Andreas Christensen has come in and done very well so we have to give him and Conte credit.

The onus is now on David to train hard and get back in the team. He has been fantastic since he’s been back at the club and played a major part in them winning the title.

He appears to be keeping his head down — we haven’t heard or seen him in the press talking about it — and seems to be training hard. This is the way it has to be.

Luiz could get back in against Qarabag tomorrow.

I still think he has a big future at the club. He is a massive character in the dressing room and a top-quality player.

As the season goes on, Chelsea will need Luiz because of the amount of games and there will be injuries.

You need a squad but you also need discipline. These things happen. As long as everyone reacts professionally you carry on. If things are done for the right reasons and in the right way, then other players will take note.

Players aren’t stupid. If it’s done in the right manner, it just keeps things as they should be. The manager is the boss. But only those in house will know that.

Crucially they have put in two really good performances without Luiz, particularly against Manchester United, and that says a lot. Now they must crack on and keep playing this way.

The match against Qarabag is their ticket into the next stage. They have to win this game, because they don’t want to depend on the final match at home against Atletico Madrid. Chelsea have to finish the business here.