Chelsea defender David Luiz insists that the club are determined to win the Europa League as they aim to lift a trophy this season.
The Blues became the first-ever Champions League holders to be eliminated from the group stages earlier this season and, in April, were forced to hand back the trophy, as UEFA tradition dictates.
Chelsea can make some amends by lifting the Europa League trophy but must first get past Basel at Stamford Bridge on Thursday, which Rafa Benitez’s side hold a 2-1 advantage heading into.
Luiz told Goal.com: “The Europa League is very important to us. It was fantastic to win the Champions League last year.
“We’re working to win the Europa League the same as we did to win the Champions League. We have the same attitude and desire to win.
“It was difficult to return the Champions League trophy and the European title. I hope to have the privilege to be able to lift it again. But for now we want to win the Europa League which is our chance to win a trophy this season and we’re taking it seriously. Chelsea are a team which always wants to challenge for trophies.”
While he is taking nothing for granted, Luiz hopes that he could face his former team Benfica in the Amsterdam final, with the Portuguese club needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Fenerbahce.
The Brazilian added: “If we beat Basel, and it will be very difficult because they are a very good team which made it hard for us in the first leg and will give us a hard match again, the final will be against Benfica or Fenerbahce.
“We’ll see what happens but, if we get to the final, it will be a great final, a great match which we want to win. If it’s against Benfica I still want to win it.”
Source: Goal.com
