Conte: Chelsea could play 3-4-3 with David Luiz in defence

Antonio Conte is willing to play with a back three, but not in the same way he did with Juventus and Italy.

The Chelsea manager reiterated to reporters Friday that he sees deadline-day signing David Luiz solely as a central defender, one who could potentially line up in a three-man defence.

Luiz had played before in midfield during his first spell with the Blues, though that won't be his purpose under Conte.

Related: Conte plans to play versatile David Luiz as centre-back

Instead, he said there's an opportunity to veer away from Chelsea's traditional 4-2-3-1 formation - one of Jose Mourinho's legacies as manager.

There are just limitations to the changes Conte can make.

"This squad can play with a 3-4-3, not 3-5-2 like the Italy national team or Juventus, because of the characteristics of the players," said the Italian boss. "We bought Luiz because we needed a centre-back. I know he played sometimes in midfield before but in my mind now there isn't this idea.

"He has to work with us as a centre-back."

Just don't expect him to start right away.

Luiz and fellow summer signing Marcos Alonso aren't expected to get significant minutes during Sunday's match at Swansea City.

"I think the new players need a bit of time to work with a new method, a new philosophy, a new idea of football and it's important to give them a bit of time," said Conte.

Alonso would potentially slot in as a left wing-back in a 3-4-3, with Luiz between Gary Cahill and John Terry. Cesar Azpilicueta would have the opportunity to play in a more natural right-wing role, leaving N'Golo Kante to create a midfield tandem with Nemanja Matic. Eden Hazard, Diego Costa, and Willian would then make up the front three.

Conte's not likely to use this formation until next weekend at the earliest. Chelsea faces Liverpool, Leicester City, and Arsenal in a manic eight-day stretch from Sept. 16-24.