Thomas Tuchel has hailed Chelsea defender Thiago Silva and told the Brazilian veteran how to earn a new deal at the club.
Chelsea signed Silva on a free transfer last year summer after he was released by Paris Saint-Germain. And he impressed last season after helping the Blues win the Champions League, reach the FA Cup final and secure a top-four finish in the league.
In June, Chelsea confirmed Silva had signed a contract extension to keep him at Stamford Bridge until the next summer, but his superb start to the new campaign has already led to speculation he could sign another new deal.
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Asked how Silva can go about earning another contract at the London club and stay at Chelsea for next season, Tuchel said: ‘It’s on him.
‘I cannot answer this question right not but hopefully he can continue to perform at this level and that’s all he needs to stay here.
‘It’s as easy and clear as that. When you play for Chelsea, you need to deliver and that is what he is doing. He is a top professional and if he wasn’t, it wouldn’t be performing at that level for many years.
‘The age does not play a role, the only question we have to ask at the end of the season is, “Is he still at the level to compete for Chelsea in every competition?”
‘It’s as easy as that and we don’t have to answer that right now but he’s in a good place and we’re happy.’
Chelsea face Premier League side Manchester City on Saturday and Tuchel said: ‘Before we talk about the result we need to focus on the input and what we need to deliver.
‘We need to accept that you need the momentum and a bit of luck on your side. Tomorrow after the game we can judge what result it is and if it’s deserved.
‘If we win tomorrow we will not be crowned as champions and if city win they will not be champions and we will not be in depression. It’s a match we like to watch at this kind of level.
‘We worked hard for it and we feel ready for this kind of competition and we are very well aware what it takes to have the opportunity to beat them once again.’
