David Luiz says Maurizio Sarri’s positive approach on and off the pitch is proving fruitful for Chelsea.
The Blues have five wins and two draws so far in the Premier League, after Daniel Sturridge’s late goal earned a draw at Stamford Bridge to preserve Liverpool’s unbeaten record.
“Sarri is giving us a lot of happiness to play football. We are trying to enjoy,” Luiz told Chelsea TV.
“He gives us a lot of confidence. He shows us what he wants. He gives us the details about the game.
“He works hard in every situation. And also as a human he’s a fantastic person.
“Every single day he says to us ‘you have the best job in the world, so you have to enjoy’.
“You have to try to do this with a big smile. Many people in the world don’t have this privilege.”
Sarri is a former banker who has a sense of perspective and has helped revive Luiz’s Chelsea career.
Luiz had been an integral figure in Chelsea’s title win in Antonio Conte’s first season as boss, in 2016-17.
The Brazil defender lost his place last term after a rumoured fallout with Sarri’s predecessor and due to injury.
How the top 6 looks after an engrossing Saturday
Next Sunday, the top two meet at Anfield… #PL pic.twitter.com/fy5cZgOy6z
— Premier League (@premierleague) September 30, 2018
The Blues finished fifth last term, 30 points behind champions Manchester City, but Sarri’s impact has brought the excitement back and led to suggestions of a title challenge, which the 59-year-old Italian has played down.
Luiz added: “We’re not going to win the title in this (game, against Liverpool).
“We tried to do our best to win the game and we continue to work hard every day. The season is long, it’s just the beginning. Let’s continue to play.”
Eden Hazard’s sixth goal of the season had looked like giving Chelsea all three points before Sturridge’s late intervention.
Hazard’s sparkling form has lifted Chelsea.
Luiz added: “He’s one of the best for sure. What he is doing is great. I am so happy for him.
“He’s a big friend and a big player, and he had another amazing game. He is doing better and better every week.”
Sturridge’s 50th Premier League goal for Liverpool saw Jurgen Klopp’s men avoid a first defeat of the campaign. Next in the league is a home clash with City.
What a game to be a part of man 😎The boys work their socks off and we deserved that point. Didn't celebrate today got caught up the other day but I respect Chelsea for everything they did for me. Love to the travelling #lfc fans top class today! In God I trust always ❤️🙌🏾 pic.twitter.com/9yPaEfQTjX
— Daniel Sturridge (@DanielSturridge) September 29, 2018
“Every point counts in the Premier League,” former Chelsea striker Sturridge said on liverpoolfc.com.
“It’s important for every club to try to pick up points and these games are important, but even if you drop points in these games it’s about having the consistency throughout the whole season because this is just one game in 38 anyway.
“We are not looking at this as the deciding factor of the season. It’s just one game and we have plenty more to go. It’s a long season, so we just have to stay focused.
“It’s a great feeling to help get a result for the team. We deserved a draw, the bare minimum, because we played well, had a lot of chances in the first half and a couple in the second as well, so I think we got what we deserved in the end.”
