Mauricio Pochettino reportedly yielded to his players request to field Veteran against Sheffield United.
Chelsea coach Mauricio Pochettino, reportedly yielded to the demands of several players by including Thiago Silva in the starting lineup for their face-off against Sheffield United on Sunday.
This decision bore fruit initially, with Silva netting a goal, but the joy was short-lived as Chelsea succumbed to a late equalizer, settling for a disappointing 2-2 draw.
With discontent brewing among segments of the Chelsea fanbase, calls for a managerial change have intensified ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Pochettino finds himself under scrutiny for his inability to extract the best from a squad valued at over £1 billion. Failure to rectify the team’s shortcomings in the remaining eight fixtures of the campaign could see Chelsea miss out on European football once again.
The draw against Sheffield United highlighted the team’s ongoing struggles, as defensive lapses cost them crucial points in the dying moments of the match.
However, the challenges extend beyond the pitch, with report by the Telegragh indicating that several players advocated for Silva’s inclusion due to concerns over defensive vulnerabilities in recent weeks.
RELATED STORIES: Thiago Silva & Fluminense in contact as veteran plans Chelsea exit
RELATED STORIES: Mauricio Pochettino tips Thiago Silva to become a good coach if…
Pochettino eventually acquiesced, granting Silva his first start since February 12th.
Despite Silva’s contributions, his future at Chelsea remains uncertain, with his contract set to expire in June.
Speculation suggests that the 39-year-old defender is unlikely to receive a contract extension, signaling an imminent departure from the club.
Questions loom over Pochettino’s leadership as he seemingly entertained player requests regarding the starting lineup, raising doubts about his authority within the team.
As Chelsea navigates through turbulent waters, Pochettino must assert his authority and assume responsibility for team selections, steering the club toward a path of stability and success. Failure to do so could spell the end of his tenure at Stamford Bridge.
