Maurizio Sarri insists David Luiz still "has a big future" at Chelsea after the defender suffered a difficult time under Antonio Conte.
The Brazil centre-back was limited to just 10 Premier League appearances under Sarri's predecessor last season as he struggled with injury and was said to have a strained relationship with the coach.
But after helping the Blues start the new Premier League campaign with a clean sheet in Saturday's 3-0 win over Huddersfield, it seems the ex-Napoli boss is convinced of the 31-year-old's future at Stamford Bridge.
“I don’t know about what happened in the past but now he has a good chance,” Sarri told reporters. “We only have to carry on like we are doing now with him.
“I disagree that he can only play as one of three central defenders. If you are a good defender, you can play in a line of three or in a four.
“David has a big future here. He will be useful for us but not just on the pitch. He is also very important in the dressing room. I very much enjoy his attitude when I am working with him."
The former Paris Saint-Germain player himself is optimistic about life under Sarri, having been impressed by the Italian's playing and coaching style since he replaced Conte this summer.
"We have a new philosophy which we are trying hard to learn every day as quickly as possible, in order to play well and fight for the title," he said of his new coach.
“He’s a great coach with a great philosophy. He’s passionate and we work every day on the details so I think he’s going to bring a lot of good things to Chelsea and the Premier League."
N'Golo Kante, Jorginho and Pedro were among the goals on Saturday as the Blues picked up an away victory and continue their campaign next week with a home match against Arsenal.