Chelsea players feel Pochettino has 'disrespected' Silva

Mauricio Pochettino has the support of the Chelsea team, but one of his decisions has left the players feeling bewildered.

Mauricio Pochettino’s refusal to not appoint Thiago Silva as the captain has baffled Chelsea’s players.

The Blues manager refuses to hand the armband to Silva, even though his first-choice skipper Reece James and vice-captain Ben Chilwell are not available. He believes the 39-year-old doesn’t need it to be a leader in the dressing room.

According to The Guardian, some Chelsea players can’t understand what Pochettino is thinking. There are suggestions in the squad that the coach has shown ‘disrespect’ toward Silva. For them, the veteran defender is the team’s most experienced player and a natural choice to lead in James’ absence.

Yet, when he appointed the 24-year-old James as his captain in August, Pochettino explained he is looking toward the future by giving young players a chance.

The Argentine’s decision to put his faith in youth has won approval in the past, especially as Silva is out of contract next summer.

Regardless, the Brazilian has played and started in 15 of Chelsea’s 16 Premier League games this season. The only match he didn’t play in came last weekend, where the Blues lost 2-0 to Everton.

Silva will hope to get back into the line-up on Saturday when Chelsea take on Sheffield United. The Premier League game will take place at Stamford Bridge.