Antonio Conte has warned David Luiz he faces a fight to wrestle back his Chelsea spot after the Brazil defender was dropped for the 1-0 win over Manchester United.
“It’s very simple, the coach has to make the best decision for the team. Tonight the best decision was to play (Andreas) Christensen and have (Ethan) Ampadu on the bench,” Conte said.
“I decided this way tonight, maybe I can decide a different way in the future or I can continue the same way.”
Conte’s decision to axe Luiz was as much a warning to the rest of the squad to improve their performances as an individual attack on the centre-back.
“I must take the best decision for the club, not a single player. It is only a tactical decision. It’s normal,” Conte said.
“This can happen to every one of my players if I see they are not in good form. I have to make important decisions.”
“We played with great energy and great passion. I saw a lot of positive things,” he said.
“They decided they would fight. My players had the will to help each other.
“For many reasons we started this season with a lot of problems, the confidence can go down.
“To see this spirit, for sure I’m pleased. If there is this passion, we can fight for something important.”
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate