Mauricio Pochettino made several changes to his backline for their clash with Sheffield United on Sunday. According to reports, he named Thiago Silva in the starting XI, reportedly following the wishes of several Chelsea players. This decision paid off as Silva scored a goal, although the team conceded a late equaliser in a 2-2 draw.
The draw at Bramall Lane highlighted Chelsea’s ongoing struggles, as they failed to secure an important victory due to defensive lapses. This issue extends beyond the on-pitch performance and reflects the team’s overall disjointedness. The Telegraph reported that Chelsea players had expressed concerns about their defensive frailties in recent weeks, leading to Pochettino’s decision to start Silva.
However, it is widely reported that Silva’s future at the club is uncertain, as his contract is set to expire in June. His potential role in the team’s final games of the season remains to be seen, given the support he appears to have from the dressing room. There are questions about Pochettino’s willingness to entertain starting lineup requests from his squad, as it may undermine his authority as the manager.
With the team at a crucial stage in its ‘project’, Pochettino is unlikely to have many second chances to prove his worth. Therefore, it would be assumed that he should take responsibility for picking his side rather than entertaining suggestions from his inexperienced squad.