Thiago Silva continues to face an uncertain future at Chelsea despite stepping up for Pochettino this season. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea defender Thiago Silva sent a positive message to his teammates after a 2-1 win over RB Salzburg away in Austria (Thiago Silva Twitter). The victory not only ensured their path to the next round of the Champions League, but they will go there as group winners.
Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz scored stunning goals in either half to complete the job in a game where the home side did play their part and had chances to level things.
Silva started in the middle of a back three and marshalled the defence very well as usual. The advantage of topping the group means the Blues can avoid some heavyweights in the last 16 stage of this competition.
The other positive is that they have done this with a game to spare. So, the next week’s game against Dinamo Zagreb is a dead rubber, for which manager Graham Potter can rest some of his key players. With a schedule as intense as this, a game off for senior players would be handy.
There are three Premier League games from now till the World Cup break. Having drawn the last two league games, Potter’s men would be hoping to finish off on a high before the team disperses.
It won’t be easy to start with, as an away game against Brighton and Hove Albion awaits. It will be the first time back at the Amex Stadium for Potter since leaving the Seagulls to join Chelsea last month.
Thiago Silva has had another immense season so far. His contract expires at the end of this season. A few weeks ago, he indicated that he will decide on an extension after discussing it with the family.
Chelsea should make sure that a new deal is at least offered to the 38-year-old. That is what the fans would want, after all.
Fabrizio Romano reveals Chelsea wanted to sign Darwin Nunez last summer Chelsea's struggle with clinical…
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez reveals he had to take medicines and injections to play Chelsea…
Mauricio Pochettino unsure if he has the backing of the Chelsea directors Mauricio Pochettino's tenure…
Mauricio Pochettino believes the Chelsea board also needs improvement Mauricio Pochettino has not minced words…
Mauricio Pochettino outlines collective responsibility for Chelsea FC's poor season Amid mounting pressure following Chelsea…
Frank McAvennie advises Chelsea to copy the Liverpool transfer approach Former West Ham United player…