Consecutive clean sheets are just reward for the whole team’s recent defensive resilience, according to David Luiz.
Speaking to the official Chelsea website ahead of our game with Liverpool, the Brazilian stressed how it will be up to everyone in blue to play their part if another shutout is to be recorded this afternoon. We shipped seven goals in three games at the beginning of December, but as the month has worn on there has been a greater emphasis on the defensive aspects of our play, as Jose Mourinho had suggested might be the case.
The results have been positive. Since losing 3-2 to Stoke we have conceded just one goal in 270 minutes of Premier League football, an achievement David Luiz is understandably pleased with.
‘It’s not just good for the defence but for the whole team,’ the defender points out.
‘Our more attacking players are starting to understand our philosophy and how we need to play in a defensive way sometimes, so that is good for everyone. When you don’t concede goals you are always nearer to winning, and that is our mentality now.
‘The team wants to be at the top of the table. We know what we need to do, and we are always trying to do the best things on the pitch.’
Today’s opponents have enjoyed an impressive season thus far, and despite their loss at Manchester City on Boxing Day they travel to Stamford Bridge entrenched in the title race. It has been Luis Suarez’s goals that have earned plaudits from far and wide, but a couple of the Uruguayan’s team-mates performances haven’t gone unnoticed to David Luiz.
‘There are a couple of Brazilians in every team, we all like to play football,’ he smiles. ‘And Liverpool have Lucas and Coutinho, who are amazing players and good friends.
‘They are both having a great season and I’m happy for them because I know hard life can be in the Premier League.
‘It will be a fantastic game for everyone to watch. Of course we just want to win and push hard to show our power and get closer to the top of the table. I hope we can produce another great exhibition and we can win.’
With the hectic festive period inching towards a conclusion, there is still time for David Luiz to explain how he spent his Christmas in London, while simultaneously offering help to those less fortunate back in his homeland.
‘I really enjoyed Christmas. I was with friends at home. Oscar and his family also came over. There were a lot of people so we had a nice dinner and played Bingo.
‘I was even happier because my family threw a party in Brazil for almost 5,000 people. We gave them a lot of food, clothes, toys and books for school because a lot of the kids don’t have anything. It was great.
‘They don’t have any network there so I didn’t speak to my family on Christmas Day, but the day after my Mum sent me pictures and videos of the party. I was so happy because I knew my family had given a great moment for many people.’
– Chelsea TV’s ‘Pre-Match at the Bridge’ show is free to view for Sky customers on channel 421