David Luiz has important role at Chelsea – Sarri
The 31-year-old barely featured under Antonio Conte last season.
Maurizio Sarri expects David Luiz to have an integral role at Chelsea this season.
Luiz was a key figure as Chelsea won the 2016-17 Premier League title in Antonio Conte’s first season as head coach.
But a rumoured fall out with Conte and a persistent knee injury meant the Brazil defender barely featured last term.
Sarri has been impressed by the 31-year-old, though.
“I think David will be very important for the team, to support me.”
Ruben Loftus-Cheek is also looking for a fresh start at Chelsea.
His form on loan at Crystal Palace last season was enough to earn a place in England’s World Cup squad.
Sarri said: “Loftus-Cheek I have seen him just for three, four trainings. I want to wait to adjudicate.”
Cesc Fabregas is a doubt for Sunday’s Community Shield with Manchester City with a minor knee injury.
FA Cup winners Chelsea finished fifth, 30 points behind champions City, in the Premier League last season.
And Sarri knows there is plenty of work to do.
He said: “We are not at the top level now. But we have to try to have a good performance. We have to try to have a good result.”
