David Luiz was dropped by Chelsea for their key match on Sunday against Manchester United.
Midfielder Ethan Ampadu, who is 17 and has yet to feature in the top flight, had been included instead among the substitutes.
Asked afterwards whether David Luiz had a future at the club, Conte said: “I don’t know. He has to work really hard, otherwise they are on the bench or in the stand.” The Italian was subsequently asked to clarify those comments, and added: “It’s very simple, no? Very simple. The coach has to make the best decision for the team and tonight the best decision for the team was to play with Christensen and to have, on the bench, [Ethan] Ampadu. Another young player. A really good player for the present and the future.
“Maybe in the future I can decide a different way or continue in this way. That’s normal. I must take the best decision for the club, not for a single player. It’s only a tactical decision. It’s normal. This can happen to every one of my players, if I see they are not in good form. It’s normal. I repeat: I have to put my face to every situation and then sometimes to make important decisions. Today I did this and I think Christensen played a massive game. I was very happy for this.”
Conte described Luiz as the best defender at the club only a few weeks ago.