“He managed to get me out of that area”- Chelsea superstar credits Mauricio Pochettino for helping him regain fitness

Chelsea defender Thiago Silva opens up on his good relationship with manager Mauricio Pochettino

The moment a player turns 30, it is almost universally acknowledged that that player will be gradually entering his decline phase. Nearly two months ago, the veteran Thiago Silva turned 39.

At 39, Thiago Silva is a regular for Chelsea – he has started all of their matches this season and has delivered consistent performances throughout. In an interview with the Guardian, Chelsea defender Thiago Silva praised manager Mauricio Pochettino for helping him get out of his “comfort zone” and regain peak fitness this season.

At 39 years old, Silva was expected to be carefully managed by Chelsea this campaign. But injuries to teammates have seen him play every minute in the Premier League so far. The Brazilian explained how Pochettino has been instrumental in keeping him in top condition despite his age.

Pochettino has helped me a lot with my fitness, not that I was complacent but I was in my comfort zone. It looks like everything is fine, and it feels fine, but he managed to get me out of that area.

Thiago Silva outlined his exhaustive daily routine of recovery methods that allow him to keep performing. But he credits Pochettino for recognizing when he needed an extra push physically beyond just routine. The veteran centre-back had remained injury-free prior to the Argentine’s arrival. However, Pochettino saw an opportunity to take Silva’s fitness to another level this season.

His fresh ideas and rigorous training have aided Silva in finding an even higher level as he defies Father Time. At an age when most players are retired, Silva is still setting the standard in Chelsea’s backline. Silva also provided fans with a peek into his daily routine.

‘ I wake up at about 8am and I have to be here [at Cobham] by 8.45am. I arrive, have a coffee, I do what I have to do pre-training, I train. I do the post-training recovery here at the club, then I come home and rest in the hyperbaric chamber for two hours. I wake up and then my team of professionals are ready to continue my recovery.

There’s food, an afternoon snack, dinner, supplements. I do my boots at home and I try to be with my family. Sometimes, I bring my children [who are in Chelsea’s academy] and I watch a bit of the training. Anyway, the next day it’s the same. And the next. So it’s much more recovery than actual work these days. Less is more.’

That is a testament not only to his professionalism but also to Pochettino’s tailored coaching. Their strong relationship has seen them frequently collaborate to optimize Silva’s longevity. A hero on and off the field, Silva’s impact at Stamford Bridge cannot be understated. He might not have been at the club for long but has had an impactful stay in Blue.

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The manager’s influence has been key to keeping Silva at the heart of Chelsea’s defence despite turning 39 last month. Their partnership on and off the pitch has enabled Silva to maintain his imperious form as he heads towards 40.