The situation surrounding veteran defender Thiago Silva at Chelsea has indeed raised questions and concerns. Particularly regarding his interactions and behavior, including his relationship with the head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Thiago Silva, despite being 39-years old, has consistently performed at a high level for Chelsea since his arrival. He has been a crucial part of Pochettino‘s defensive plans. However, recent incidents have drawn attention to his role within the squad.
One incident that garnered attention, involved Silva responding to a fan’s comment on Instagram. He provided insights into the team’s tactical setup. This led to speculation about his involvement and influence in squad decisions. Thus, potentially blurring the lines between players and the coaching staff. Additionally, he tagged the Champions League’s official account on Twitter and used a ‘crying‘ emoji. This is despite Chelsea not participating in the competition this year. This raised eyebrows and prompted questions about his behavior.
Behind the scenes, there have been reports suggesting that Silva is not hesitant to challenge his head coaches. And also asserts his tactical knowledge on the team. As a senior player and a leader, he sets high standards. He can also become frustrated when he believes his teammates are not performing up to the expected level.
Silva and Pochettino tussle in the dressing room
Silva did sign a one-year contract extension with Chelsea last season, indicating the club’s faith in his abilities. However, his age and reduced pace at 39 have led to a tactical shift within the team. Thus Chelsea adopted a deeper defensive line to accommodate his style of play. This tactical shift has raised questions about whether the team could potentially perform better with him out of the lineup.
Pochettino faces a selection dilemma, as he has a range of defensive options at his disposal. This includes Levi Colwill, Axel Disasi, Ben Chilwell, Trevoh Chalobah, and Benoit Badiashile. This presents a challenging decision regarding Silva’s role in the squad. It is about whether his experience and leadership continue to outweigh potential tactical adjustments.
The dynamics between Silva and Pochettino will be closely watched as the season progresses. Whether they work together to find the right balance between experience and youth in the Chelsea defense. Finding a harmonious and effective solution will be essential for Chelsea’s success in various competitions.
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