David Luiz has warned his Chelsea team-mates they cannot afford to underestimate any of their Europa League opponents.
The Blues, who have won their opening five Premier League matches of the season under new manager Maurizio Sarri, begin their campaign tonight against PAOK Salonika and are one of the favourites for outright glory.
However, Luiz, who did not travel to Greece because Sarri wanted to rest him, has told his team-mates it will not be easy to lift the trophy and secure an immediate return to the Champions League.
He said: “Many people don’t understand how hard it is to win this competition. The level is great. It’s not going to be easy to play.
“It’s not going to be easy to play on a Thursday. It’s not going to be easy because of how far we have to travel but also because of the quality of the teams. I know because I have played in the Europa League more than once — I also played in it with Benfica.
“It’s not what everyone says about it [not being a good standard]. It is never easy to win a competition like this.”
Sarri prioritised trying to finish top of Serie A when Napoli dropped into the tournament last season and there have been questions over whether it is low on his wishlist again.
Luiz is adamant Chelsea cannot afford to be picky. “It is important to win the trophy,” said the Brazilian, who won the Europa League with the Blues in 2013. “Some talk about how winning it is a route back into the Champions League but, for me, it’s about lifting a trophy.”
Sarri has promised to make changes, with the League game at West Ham on Sunday in mind. One of those will be Eden Hazard, who Sarri revealed asked to be rested. Like Luiz, he has stayed in London and Ruben Loftus-Cheek is in contention to play a part having had just 33 minutes of action this season.
Luiz added: “We have an amazing squad, everyone has the quality to play. It doesn’t matter who the 11 are on the pitch, Chelsea will always be at a great level to win games.”
Luiz believes winning a quadruple of trophies is possible. Chelsea face Liverpool at Anfield in the Carabao Cup next week and will start their defence of the FA Cup in January.
Luiz said: “We will fight for all the titles. It doesn’t matter the name of the competition, we play for a big club. We will always be under pressure to win every game.”
