SARRI: CARRY ON LUIZ
Forget the past, David has a big future with me, says boss
DAVID LUIZ has been told he has a big future at Stamford Bridge under new Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri.
The Brazil defender earned plaudits from Sarri following his first Premier League outing since February 5 in Chelsea’s 3-0 win at Huddersfield.
Injuries and a strained relationship with Antonio Conte looked to spell the
end of his second stint with the Londoners. But under the new regime Luiz is back in the fold with a key role to play. “I don’t know what happened in the past but now he has a good chance,” said Sarri. “We only have to carry on like we are doing now with him.” The Italian insists the 31-year-old (left) can adapt to his favoured four-man backline. “I disagree that he can only play as one of three central defenders,” added the former Napoli coach. “If you are a good defender, you can play in a line of three or in a four.”
Sarri spelled out the importance as a leader of Luiz, whose last Premier League appearance came in the dismal 4-1 defeat at Watford six months ago.
“David has a big future here. He will be useful for us but not just on the pitch,” he said. “He is also very important in the dressing room. I enjoy his attitude when I work with him.”
Sarri, who never played professionally, also had some words of encouragement for misfiring striker Alvaro Morata (above). “He played better than he did pre-season,” said Sarri. “Much better.”