Chelsea defender David Luiz admits he enjoys playing for manager Maurizio Sarri this season.

Sarri came under intense pressure last month following a string of poor performances and humiliating Premier League defeats at Bournemouth and Manchester City.

The 60-year-old Italian was criticised for his possession-based 'Sarri-ball' style of play and repetitive substitutions, but has since improved the club's fortunes.

"You don't change your character because of the situation, I think you change the situation," said Luiz, ahead of Thursday's Europa League last-16 first-leg clash with Dynamo Kiev.

"He's a great human, someone with the love and passion for football, someone loving with people and trying to help everybody, and trying to give the best advice.

"When you lose a game, like we did in Manchester (6-0), no one is going to be happy and coming here joking around.

"He's a real person, and real people have feelings good and bad."