Mauricio Pochettino explains why he didn’t make Thiago Silva Chelsea’s captain
Mauricio Pochettino addressed why he didn’t make centre-back Thiago Silva Chelsea’s next captain and he stated that it was because he wanted to look to the future.
Following the departure of Cesar Azpilicueta, Pochettino had to decide whom to make the next club’s captain, and it was assumed Silva would become the skipper due to his age and experience.
Moreover, the 38-year-old has had the experience of captaining multiple teams, including Brazil’s national team. But Pochettino opted to make Reece James the captain of West Londoners, while left-back Ben Chilwell will be the club’s vice-captain in the ongoing campaign.
However, James is set to be on the sidelines for a month after picking up a hamstring injury, which could see Chilwell become the acting captain of the club.
Speaking at a press conference, the Argentine manager explained why he opted to choose the England international as captain, (h/t Evening Standard), and said:
“For many different reasons, I am looking not only at the present but also at the future. It was a good situation because Reece is ready to be captain. When the player is clever like Thiago, who is 38 and nearly 39. Do you think he is thinking about needing the armband? He is a captain as well, like Reece and Chilwell.”
Because James is the club’s future and will stay here for many years, it seems logical that Pochettino chose to appoint him the team’s captain. Silva, who is 38, is in the twilight of his playing days.
We will eventually try to replace him which could be next summer itself. Silva is already a leader, and we have seen it on the field; therefore, he doesn’t need an armband to demonstrate such qualities.
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James has demonstrated his leadership skills, and he is a top right-back, but his ailments are limiting his playing time. Despite his injuries, one can’t fault Poch’s decision. The 23-year-old is one of our own and the only logical choice unless we wanted to appoint a new captain once again next year.