Mauricio Pochettino believes that Thiago Silva, the experienced Chelsea defender, has an invaluable opportunity to gain insights into coaching dynamics by immersing himself in a dressing room populated by players significantly younger than him.
Silva, an esteemed figure in football, is approaching his 40th birthday in September and has begun contemplating his transition beyond the playing field.
This introspection led him to pursue a UEFA B Licence, a significant step towards his post-football career, as initially reported by Standard Sport.
Despite uncertainties surrounding Silva’s future at Chelsea, including hints of a potential departure upon the expiration of his contract, his wife Belle’s recent remarks calling for “change” within the club, have stirred controversy.
Nonetheless, Pochettino maintains that Silva is experiencing substantial personal and professional growth amidst one of the more challenging seasons in his illustrious career.
Engaging with a younger group of players has provided Silva with a unique learning environment, offering him firsthand exposure to coaching dynamics and strategies.
Pochettino’s assertion underscores the transformative potential inherent in Silva’s current situation, where he can leverage his wealth of experience while adapting to new challenges.
This transitional phase represents not only a period of reflection for Silva but also an opportunity for him to lay the groundwork for a potential coaching career.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding his future, Silva’s engagement with coaching concepts within a youthful environment reflects his commitment to continual learning and development.
Pochettino speaks on Thiago Silva’s coaching opportunities amidst his wife call for change recently.
“No, it is a good experience for him, and the kids also. If he wants to be a coach, he is experiencing a very good time.”
On why Silva has been Chelsea bench recently, Pochettino said:
“He got injured against Palace, then after when he was available to play, Trevoh Chalobah was performing well,” said the manager.
“That’s it. It was only a decision to play with one or another. I agree with you, we need to respect everyone and he has my respect, 100 per cent.
“Only we need to choose and before it was [Axel] Disasi and Levi [Colwill] – and now he is injured. Even for Levi, if he comes back tomorrow, I could decide to play with Chalobah because he is playing well.
“For me, it is about performing and deserving to play. It is not about the name or experience or because he is a legend or not a legend. Of course, [Silva] is training well now and waiting for his chance to play.”
