The Chelsea boss has said there is no love lost between him and the Brazilian. Frank Lampard decided to sell the Brazilian centre-back after taking over as a manager of Chelsea this season. The Blues struggled with their defence throughout the campaign. Despite having restrictions on transfers David Luiz’s experience could have been a boost for Chelsea this season. However, Chelsea decided to sell him to their direct rivals. Lampard insists Luiz was never a weak point in his squad and it was only player’s choice to move on.
What Frank Lampard Said?
“I certainly have not [targeted him as a weak point]. What I have for David is real respect, he was a top player in our 2012 campaign, David was a top player within that.
“We are preparing for Arsenal with him in a team. I know how good he can be and I know what a big player he can be for Arsenal.”
A few days back, Pep Guardiola showed the same respect for the Gunners defender saying all the criticism on him was just pointless and he laughs about it. David Luiz cost Arsenal a humiliating defeat against Manchester City in the Premier League in the first game after the lockdown. Luiz conceded a penalty in that game after his causal mistake cost them another goal. Luiz also was sent off seeing a red. But the Brazillian was the main reason why Arsenal have won the semi-final against Manchester City at Wembley where he was a wall in Gunners defence.
The Blues Manager Added
“I have incredible respect for his career,” Guardiola said two weeks ago. He is an exceptional player with an incredible mentality and especially personality.”
“I laugh a lot about all the pundits, they were defenders and believe they did not make one mistake in their careers when they played for 20, 10 or 15 years. I like that he is still playing football and I am pretty sure he is going to make more good actions and mistakes as that is part of the game, but with a lot of dignity. I have a lot of respect for this player. A lot.”
The Story About The FA Cup Final
Frank Lampard had criticized his team back then saying they lost control of the game. That was just after scoring the early goal against Arsenal in the FA Cup final. It was quite evident that injuries played a part in that as well. On the other hand, some of the refereeing decisions went in the Gunners’ favour.
The Blues did not play as they should have to win the cup. Arsenal was the better team on the day with having luck on their side. Mikel Arteta would have been proud of his team’s performance.
They put in a solid performance and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang led from the front. His performance on the night was just brilliant. It will be really interesting to see whether he extends his stay with the north London giants or not. Only time will tell.
