Antonio Conte has revealed that he will not be playing David Luiz in a midfield role this season.
The Brazilian defender returned to Stamford Bridge following a two-year stint with Paris Saint-Germain, and will look to re-establish himself in the side, having come in as a deadline-day signing under the Italian manager.
Many expect Luiz to be deployed in midfield, as he has experience playing in the position, but Conte says that he sees the player as a centre-back and won’t use him in midfield.
“I know that sometimes he played like a central midfielder,” Conte told Chelsea TV (H/T Daily Mail).
But I prefer, and in my mind, the idea is to utilise him in the right position. For me, he is a centre back. Now we have to work on the defensive situation, on the defensive line.
We have to work to improve our physical condition, our tactical condition and to try to continue our good season.
Luiz, meanwhile, has trained with his old/new teammates ahead of Chelsea’s clash against Swansea on Sunday and will hope to feature in the match. He says that he is comfortable playing anywhere on the pitch as long as it helps the team.
I started playing three at the back with Vitoria in Brazil, but it doesn’t matter where, I want to help and when I am in the team I am there to try to help.
The coach is an amazing coach, he understands a lot of tactical things and I know he chooses every match the best line up, so if he needs to play three, four or two, it doesn’t matter, I am there if he wants me to play. In different positions I am available.
