N’Golo Kante opens up about David Luiz’s omission from Chelsea squad for Manchester United victory
Says midfield enforcer: 'Is it a sign that everyone has to justify their place in the team? The manager makes the choice'
N’GOLO KANTE did his best to explain why David Luiz was left out to stew in the stands instead of facing Manchester United.
Luiz was dropped for the 1-0 victory amid simmering tensions between himself and Chelsea boss Antonio Conte.
It was even reported that the Brazilian defender was made to be a ball boy in a warm-up game for the Premier League match.
Kante, back in the team after five weeks with hamstring trouble, said: “We don't know why David Luiz wasn't in the squad.
“Is it a sign that everyone has to justify their place in the team?
“We have a lot of players in the team, the squad, and the manager makes the choice.
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“And OK we win. These are things to keep. We have a lot of squad and we need to use everyone and that is what happened tonight.”
Chelsea won 1-0 thanks to Alvaro Morato’s soaring header.
HUMILIATED David Luiz was made to be a BALL BOY during training match with Chelsea
Having just lost 3-0 at Roma, that defeat saw Andreas Chistensen come in for Luiz, who didn’t even make the bench.
After the welcome win, Kante said: “The season is not bad. In the Champions League it was a bad defeat against Roma, but to qualify we need just one win.
“In the league, we are fourth and we just need to keep going. It was important to win tonight - we just have to keep going now."
Turning to his own situation, the former Leicester midfield enforcer said: “I’m happy to be back.
“It was a long time for me to be with the staff medical team to treat my injury. I thank everyone for their support. The staff, the fans the medical staff.
"I’m happy to come back in a winning way.
“I need more confidence because when you play after this injury, you have some fear.
"But with one week training, and this game, I am more confidence but I’m fine now.”
And how about Kante’s time on the sidelines?
“I think I prefer to play,” he added. “I think it’s is more stressful when you cannot play. It is a bit strange to be outside. It’s another point of view.
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“We are just a spectator, we cannot help. We just wish the best to our team mates, we are with the medical staff.
“They do not play but they are focused on the same way as us. They want the team to win. And watching the game with them, it was a special view.”
