---
title: "David Luiz fears Conte is punishing him for Costa friendship"
canonical: "https://readchelsea.com/2017/11/07/david-luiz-fears-conte-is-punishing-him-for-costa-friendship/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Michael Oliver"
section: "Chelsea News"
published: "2017-11-07T16:13:44Z"
modified: "2017-11-07T16:15:15Z"
---

# David Luiz fears Conte is punishing him for Costa friendship

Antonio Conte sent shock-waves around Premier League circles last weekend when he omitted David Luiz from Chelsea’s matchday squad for the visit of Manchester United.

Luiz had been the linchpin of Chelsea’s defence in the Conte era at Stamford Bridge but wasn’t involved against United, with Andreas Christensen starting and impressing at the back as the Blues went on to win 1-0.

Conte was coy as to why he left Luiz out, claiming he was just handing the Brazilian a rest, but Luiz himself, via [the Times](https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/sport/luiz-fears-conte-is-punishing-him-for-costa-friendship-mwl2x8xv3), believes he’s being punished for his friendship with Diego Costa.

![Steve Bardens/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/630721494.jpg)

The pair had a heated exchange last Thursday after Luiz questioned Conte’s tactics and was consequently sidelined from Friday’s session.

The 30-year-old Brazil international fears for his future at the club and believes his relationship with Costa could be used against him as Luiz tried to act as peacemaker between Conte and the Spain international over the summer.

Blues sources claim that Luiz’s fears are wide of the mark. The centre-back was left out of Brazil’s squad for their upcoming friendlies.