There was a time in Brazil when people used to say that if there was an European manager who didn’t like Brazilians, that was Louis van Gaal.
After bad relationships with the likes of Rivaldo, Giovanni and Lúcio, the Dutch boss got a bad name in South America and the image stuck for years.
But now, given Antonio Conte’s past few months at Chelsea, it seems it’s the Italian manager who will be getting such reputation.
Conte has already shown Diego Costa the door this year, and as reported by the Brazilian media this month, Willian is also considering leaving if the manager stays after the end of the season.
But now there’s a third player added to that list, and that’s David Luiz, who has been linked to a Stamford Bridge departure in the past few days.
The relationship with Conte has got a lot worse in the past month, and according to people close to the player, he thinks he has no future at the London side while the Italian is in charge.
Real Madrid have reportedly approached David Luiz’ agents twice, but Chelsea are working hard against letting him go, making it clear that club and manager don’t share the same thoughts.
The Luiz and Real Madrid claims first started in France, when it was made clear that any talks had been between the player’s camp and Madrid, with the insinuation the defender had been offer by his representatives.
That same line was taken in Spain, with Mundo Deportivo saying he could ‘fight’ Nacho and Vallejo to be third choice central defender, which is perhaps not what he had in mind.
Funny how for a Brazilian audience, it’s changed to Real Madrid doing the chasing.
