Chelsea are struggling to guarantee a ‘top four’ finish in the Premier League but are going strong in Europe having secured a 1-1 draw at Frankfurt in the Europa League semifinal first leg fixture.
However, the growing uncertainty over Maurizio Sarri’s future along with a potential transfer ban caused many confusions over the past few months. But the Blues are now concentrating on keeping hold of their first-team stars to battle out the crisis which might hit them the next term.
Sarri, meanwhile, has given a significant update on David Luiz’s future. The Selecao international has spoken to the hierarchy and is working on a potential extension of his current deal that is set to expire at the end of the ongoing campaign.
“I don’t know on David Luiz. I know that he had a meeting four or five days ago, but then my mind was on this match. I didn’t ask him the result of it.”
Although the gaffer did not reveal much, the information shared after the Eintracht Frankfurt tie (as quoted by the Daily Mail) is indeed noteworthy considering the player’s influence in Sarri’s system.
Luiz lost his place under Antonio Conte last season but has regained a regular role this term in the heart of the Blues backline. His ability on the ball, dribbling and passing attributes suit him for ‘Sarriball’ even though the manager is yet to implement the same successfully despite a blistering start.
At 32, the flamboyant Brazilian is still being preferred over the other central defensive options having appeared in 34 league games as well as 4 European outings. He was a regular in the League Cup too where the London giants lost to Manchester City in the Wembley final.
The likely departure of Gary Cahill in the summer would leave Chelsea with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen as the only players with long term contracts at the Stamford Bridge. They have a few youngsters on loan who, however, are unlikely to be considered for a first-team action from the next season onwards. Luiz has been highly inconsistent, and lacks the impact he used to inject during his previous stint. But the experience he holds would be key along with his leadership skill while marshalling the goal.
Luiz, by no means, is among the best defenders of Premier League, but his sheer commitment for the Blues is exemplary. His presence in the dressing room would help the younger players grow as top-notch professionals. This would, in turn, make the job easy for Sarri while managing his men under certain circumstances.
