Antonio Conte put all transfer rumours surrounding David Luiz to bed in a press conference ahead of their weekend fixture against Southampton.
“I understand that someone is thinking that I’m not telling the truth. I’m disappointed about this, but I can understand it.”
David Luiz was dropped from the squad after a poor defensive display in a 0-3 loss to AS Roma, ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Manchester United in the Premier League. As per reports, Luiz faced heavy criticism from Conte after the match and had decided to confront the Italian over singling him out for the defeat. The exchange did not sit well with the manager as Luiz saw himself get banished from the training session ahead of the matchup with Mourinho’s men. He saw his side win the game 1-0 at Stamford Bridge from the stands.
After the game, Conte had defended his decision to drop the defender from the side and play Andreas Christensen in his place. He also said that Luiz will have to work hard and fight for his place in the first team.
Luiz’s last appearance came in a 0-4 win against Qarabag Agdam in 22nd November. But ever since then, reports claim he is suffering from heavy inflammation in his knees. The Brazilian appeared for light training sessions all by himself mostly restricted to the pool or the treatment room.
Christensen has been superb so far for the Blues and has settled in perfectly in the defensive back 3 under Conte. With Cesar Azpilicueta and Gary Cahill on either of his side to guide him, the 21-year-old has developed into a quality defender with an ability to read the game very well. He is one of the key men in Conte’s side to distribute the ball early towards the final three and launch early counters.
His development can somehow be attributed to the 2-year loan spell with Borussia Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga.
Luiz was a regular starter last season and was crucial for Conte’s side to get the Premier League title. Very disciplined with his positioning and restricted from surging forward like he usually likes to do, Luiz did exactly what Christensen has been doing this season. Fans were impressed with the Brazilian’s growth and maturity and praised him for returning to the North-London club after his stint with Paris Saint-Germain.
Therefore, fans might be pleased to hear Conte’s comments about the 30-year-old and that he is here to stay, at least for now. With an added schedule of European competition along with the Premier League and domestic cups, Conte requires depth from the benches in order to keep winning games. Luiz’s services might be called up as soon as he returns to the sidelines.
