BREAKING NEWS: David Luiz wants to guide Chelsea to another European title

David Luiz wants to guide Chelsea to another European title

06-Mar-2013 11:50:00 PM

The Brazilian defender believes the Europa League is a "great opportunity" for his side, whilst Blues boss Rafael Benitez underlined his desire to win every competition

Chelsea defender David Luiz has underlined his "hunger" for success in the Europa League this season.

The Blues became the first-ever Champions League winners to see their trophy defence ended at the first hurdle, with a third-place finish in the group stages consigning them to Europe's second-tier cup competition.

However, the 25-year-old is keen for the west London club to take their ongoing European campaign seriously and has urged his team-mates to go all the way.

"We need to be focused from the first minute until the last minute, it will be a tough game," the Brazil international told reporters.

"It's a great opportunity to win another European title, I have the hunger and the team have the hunger.

"Big clubs need to win titles and big games, all the players play together and we have a great family at Chelsea.

"I don't care if I play in midfield or defence, I just love playing football, I try my best to help the team."

Meanwhile, Rafael Benitez echoed the defender's sentiments and reaffirmed the significance of the competition despite his side's busy schedule.

"We have a good group of players, we have to manage them because we have a lot of games, I don't think fatigue is a problem," the manager explained.

"The players know it's another trophy to compete for, they are very professional and want to win. We want to progress in every competition, the next game is the most important. Now it's against Steaua and then Man Utd."

The Spaniard also paid tribute to the dynamism of Chelsea's last-16 opponents Steaua Bucharest, insisting his side will not take the Romanians lightly.

"Steaua is a team capable of pressing high but also playing on the counter-attack, and they can play out from the back," he added.

"We know Steaua are a good team tactically and they have good players, we have been watching their games.

"We will put a very competitive team on the pitch to do a good job tomorrow, the main thing for us is to progress."