Chelsea star David Luiz has warned Manchester United that the Blues are determined to add to their misery when they meet in the FA Cup quarter-finals this weekend.
United were eliminated from the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League by Real Madrid on Tuesday and Sir Alex Ferguson has caused a stir following his surprise decision to drop Wayne Rooney for the showdown with the Spanish giants.
Luiz has revealed that Chelsea will use this to their advantage on Sunday as they look to reach the final and claim some silverware.
He said: “It’s difficult when you’ve been knocked out of an amazing competition like the Champions League. After that your confidence is not the same.
“The happiness inside your heart is not the same.
“Chelsea can take advantage of this as a bonus. Maybe it gives us an advantage.
“Some of the United players and fans will be thinking, ‘It’s not the Champions League’ and so it’s difficult to come in with the same form.
“Sunday is a massive game. This is a massive week for us. Chelsea need to win.”
Chelsea have little chance of catching the Red Devils in the race for the Premier League title so winning the FA Cup would offer some solace for the holders and interim manager Rafael Benitez.
“This season it’s not gone as well for Chelsea as last year, so we need to win the competitions we’re still in,” Luiz added.
The Brazilian believes it is imperative the players, dogged by reports of dressing room unrest, work together to salvage the campaign.
“This is the key for big clubs to win titles and win games.
“In Chelsea we have a strong team, strong changing room. All the players play together.
“It’s difficult sometimes when we’ve lost games. People speak a lot. But I think in Chelsea we have a great family, great players and the players to support this pressure.”
The game at Old Trafford on Sunday is scheduled to kick-off at 16:30.
Sources: Daily Star and Fifa.com
