Quietly, David Luiz has somehow put himself into a position where he matters on the managerial situation. He is Chelsea’s kingmaker.
Like so many things in the past year, it appears Luiz’s rise to power started with the Diego Costa text. It had been known for months that Costa wanted to leave. Conte was merely reiterating to Costa what everyone already knew. Conte would not plan around a (multiple time) want away.
Costa spun the text. Pretending to be committed, he blamed Conte for trying to force him out. He told his sob story to anyone that would listen and absolve him of blame. Namely, he spoke with the other Brazilians at Chelsea. When Costa left, David Luiz assumed the mantle of leadership for that clique.
Luiz, months later, had his own falling out with Conte. Performances had slipped and Luiz was dropped. He spent the remainder of the season injured, but the details on the injury were always slim. Behind the scenes, there were rumors that Luiz and Conte were very much opposed. The makings of a locker room revolt had begun.
Fast forward to Willian having his own falling out for little to no reason. Willian claims it was because he saw little playing time, which is a ridiculous thing to say about a manager that played him nearly every game for several months. Luiz’s influence was felt.
Separately, or perhaps not, Chelsea had grown tired of Conte. The search for a new manager began. Top of the list was Maurzio Sarri, with Laurent Blanc as the plan B option. And who was it that was rumored to be pushing Roman Abramovich for Blanc? A former player of his known as David Luiz.
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Yes, Luiz, a player with a year left on his contract who had contributed almost nothing all season was pushing for who he wanted to be Chelsea manager. And though Blanc remains the backup option, it would not take much of a leap to believe that Luiz was pushing for him or even suggested him.
Jump ahead to now and Sarri seems imminent constantly. Yet, he is no where to be seen and the deal has hit snag after snag, set back after set back. The latest is that Napoli want a player in return. Namely, David Luiz. The rumor is that they are even willing to take cash plus Elseid Hysaj to grease the wheel for Sarri.
Somehow, Luiz is now central to the managerial situation. He played his part in trying to oust Conte, and now the successor falls on him as well. He would have to agree to a move to Napoli to make the Sarri deal happen, if reports are to be believed. Or, he can sculpture that more, likely forcing Chelsea to back track to Luiz’s choice in Blanc.
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Luiz somehow made himself the kingmaker without anyone noticing. He had plenty of time on the couch or treatment table to plan this all up to Game of Thrones proportions. Chelsea now go as Luiz goes. And where he goes is anyone’s guess.