Antonio Conte has admitted he doesn’t know if David Luiz has a future at Chelsea future after he was left out of the matchday squad for Sunday’s 1-0 win over Manchester United.
Luiz was left out of the 18 for what Conte initially said were “tactical reasons” after his woeful performance in Tuesday’s 3-0 defeat at Roma.
However reports on Sunday claimed the relationship between the Brazilian defender and his manager had grown tense and Conte seemed to admit there was more to his decision to drop Luiz than simply a desire to start Andreas Christensen.
Asked whether Luiz has a future at Chelsea, Conte told Sky Sports: “I don’t know. He has to work really hard otherwise he is on the bench or in the stand.”
In Pictures | Chelsea vs Manchester United | 05/11/2017
Conte added: “Christensen for me today played a fantastic game with focus and great spirit. He's 22 years old but showed a great personality. For sure Christensen is the present and future for Chelsea.
“The same [is true] for [Ethan] Ampadu. I trust a lot in these two young players.”
In Luiz’s absence Chelsea put in a convincing defensive display to hold Manchester United at bay, Christensen in particular impressing as the Blues secured three points through an Alvaro Morata header in the second half.
