Chelsea players Willian and David Luiz have both spoken to the Brazilian media after the 4-0 win over Manchester United this Sunday.
In an interview with ESPN Brasil, the pair defended Antonio Conte’s work for the game and avoided to make any controversial comments about their former boss José Mourinho.
Reporter João Castello Branco mentioned the fans’ reaction to The Special One’s return to the Stamford Bridge and was going to ask David Luiz his personal thoughts, but couldn’t even finish the question: “I have nothing to say about him”, the defender answered. “Nothing. I’d rather talk about Conte”.
“So he’s happy with the work during the week and happy that we played in the best possible way and with excellence during the match.”
Willian was specifically asked about Conte’s gestures for the fans, which led Mourinho to have a word with him after the game. Calm as always, the winger didn’t see much controversy in it: “It’s part of football. I think it within Conte’s rights.
“We were winning here at home and I think the crowd was quiet at that moment, when we were passing the ball at the end of the game. And I think he asked fans to shout and vibrate with the team.”
“But I think these are football things. Of course Mourinho was a great manager here, I had the opportunity to work with him, so, unfortunately, it’s football. We have to do our duty, which is to win.”
The 28-year-old, who lost his mother a week ago, was also asked if he could see all the messages he received from Chelsea fans and players during his time in Brazil: “Yes, yes, I could follow it. I’m very happy for the tributes they did for me, both the players and the fans. All the people of Chelsea, who work in this club, made tributes to me. I was very happy.
“The walk continues, I know it’s a little difficult time, but we have to stay strong and know that God has a purpose for everything”.
