Author: Vishwajit Sawant
Chelsea defender Thiago Silva acknowledged the difficulties of having a big team, saying that “the coach can only choose 11 out of 30 or so”. Silva also pointed out that it is inevitable that some players will be dissatisfied with their playing time due to the competition for places in the team.
The Brazilian defender revealed that the club even had to enlarge its changing rooms to accommodate the size of the squad. These challenges highlight the need for effective management and decision-making when it comes to player selection and team dynamics.
In May 2022, Chelsea transferred a £4.25 billion acquisition by American investor Todd Boehly. The new owners wasted no time in strengthening the team, spending £550 million in the summer and winter transfer windows to assemble a squad of 30 players.
However, the club’s lack of success on the pitch has been apparent, resulting in the sacking of two managers, Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter, this season. Even the return of Frank Lampard as interim manager hasn’t improved their fortunes, as the club face the likelihood of missing out on European competition for the second time in 25 seasons.
Reflecting on Chelsea’s current situation, the 38-year-old coach said that the club is facing a challenging time and a lot of uncertainty. While the team boasts some fantastic players, Silva also recognizes that it is inevitable that some players will feel unhappy due to the fierce competition for places.
The veteran defender believes that the club needs to take a break and devise a long-term strategy to avoid making the same mistakes in the future. This highlights the importance of planning and a clear vision for sustained success in the competitive world of soccer.
Amid reports of conversations with the former Bayern Munich coach (Julian Nagelsmann) and the former Spain coach (Luis Enrique), Chelsea defender Thiago Silva emphasized the need for the team to reflect on its own shortcomings, rather than just blaming the coaches.
Silva believes that the team needs to work together and not rely on individual heroics to achieve success. The Brazilian defender added that it was crucial for the team to finish the season with dignity, focusing on improving their performances and correcting their mistakes.
Chelsea find themselves in 11th place in the Premier League and without a trophy this season.