Luiz: Sarri has made Chelsea a happy place

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.

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.”