Mauricio Pochettino has come to the defense of veteran defender Thiago Silva following criticism from former Liverpool player Steve Nicol. The Brazilian center-back faced backlash after Chelsea’s Premier League defeat to Manchester United, where defensive vulnerabilities were glaringly exposed.
The match at Old Trafford saw Chelsea’s defense struggle immensely. They conceded 28 shots and ultimately losing 2-1 against United. While Thiago Silva played the full 90 minutes, his performance came under scrutiny for being uncharacteristically off-color, prompting critique regarding his agility and mobility.
Steve Nicol, speaking on ESPN FC, highlighted concerns about Thiago Silva’s agility. He said,
“Thiago Silva has been magnificent as a player, but now the problem is he can’t move his feet quick enough.”
He emphasized how playing against high pressing teams like Manchester United puts immense pressure on defenders, which makes it challenging to maintain composure and avoid mistakes.
Thiago Silva remains a vital player for Chelsea
Thiago Silva’s recent struggles raises doubts over his ability to keep up with the pace of the game at 39 years old. But still, the Brazilian defender remains an integral part of Chelsea’s defensive setup. Since his joining in 2020, Silva has been a consistent and reliable figure, amassing 132 appearances for the club.
However, with his contract set to expire at the end of season, it’s doubtful whether Chelsea will extend his tenure. The decision regarding a potential contract extension remains uncertain, with discussions about Thiago Silva’s future ongoing at Stamford Bridge.
Despite the criticism and doubts surrounding Silva’s form, Pochettino is likely to continue fielding the experienced defender in upcoming fixtures. As Chelsea gears up for the remaining Premier League matches before the year concludes, Thiago Silva aims to rally his teammates and regain form amidst ongoing speculation about his future at the club.
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