In response to the request of multiple Chelsea players, Mauricio Pochettino included Thiago Silva in the starting lineup for Sunday’s match against Sheffield United.
Silva justified his selection with a goal, but Chelsea ultimately settled for a 2-2 draw after conceding a goal late in the game.
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The pressure on Pochettino is intensifying, with a significant number of Chelsea supporters losing confidence in their manager and advocating for new leadership before the start of the 2024/25 season.
Despite managing a team valued at over £1 billion, the former Tottenham manager has not been able to maximize the squad’s potential, and the risk of missing out on European competition looms if their performance doesn’t pick up in the remaining eight matches.
The stalemate at Bramall Lane serves as yet another sign of Chelsea’s ongoing challenges, as they squandered a crucial victory by not effectively defending during the final moments against Chris Wilder’s side. The issues, however, extend beyond the field.
The Telegraph reports that a group of Chelsea players lobbied for Silva’s inclusion in the lineup against Sheffield United due to growing concerns over the team’s recent defensive weaknesses.
Yielding to the players’ requests, Pochettino granted the Brazilian star his first game start since February 12.
Thiago Silva is set to part ways with Chelsea after this season, as the 39-year-old’s contract concludes in June. Reports suggest that the former Paris Saint-Germain player is not expected to receive a new offer from the club as he approaches the end of his career.
Whether Pochettino will utilize Silva’s seasoned expertise in the season’s remaining games is uncertain, particularly given the number 6’s popularity among the team members.
It raises eyebrows as to why Pochettino, who is expected to have the final say at the club, would consider lineup suggestions from his players.
In the critical phase of Todd Boehly’s vision, it’s improbable that Pochettino will get many more opportunities to demonstrate his capabilities.
Therefore, it’s anticipated that the Argentine coach would prefer to assert his authority in team selection, rather than heed the advice of his relatively green squad.
