It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Thiago Silva certainly looked shaken during Saturday’s 1-0 FA Cup semi-final win over Manchester City.
After a career spanning more than 20 years, in which he won 707 caps for Brazil, a further 121 senior caps and 33 trophies,
this 708th defeat promises to be as significant as any other. Even the power of a big man like Silva could not break Chelsea’s spell at Wembley.
Even the will of the players who did so much could not achieve them.
In his four years at the club, the 39-year-old veteran has appeared in six matches at the stadium, including four in finals, but only two of those have been wins.
What hurt him the most was his performance in the finals. Chelsea have lost their last six games at the National Stadium without scoring a single goal.
Both of his wins came in the semi-finals, and as assistant captain he was unable to lift the trophy into the Royal Box for most of them.
Although he has played in many big games for the Blues, in 2021 his main trophies will be limited to the Champions League and some minor Super Cups.
It’s not a bad result, but it’s not what could have been. Silva missed the League Cup game against Liverpool due to injury in February and was in need of a mental break,
with his stint at Stamford Bridge due to end this summer. He is unlikely to appear on the field again. On Saturday, he didn’t hide his confusion and enthusiasm.
He was seen crying on the field with his shirt pulled up to his face. In one particular video, Noni Maduek is visibly laughing while talking to Jack Grealish in the background. Quite a contrast.
A great way to show what Chelsea and Mauricio Pochettino are working on. The difference between the elder statesman and his younger teammates,
whose contracts in some situations extend eight years beyond his own, is notable. His experience is essential, and his know-how even more so.
The key question going forward will be how Chelsea deal with what looks increasingly like the end of a fairy tale with the club.
His wife Belle effectively decided to speak publicly before the game started. “This is my last ball at Wembley,” she wrote on her Instagram Story.
But there will be no such victory parade for Silva this time. In any case, Chelsea are preparing to part ways with their leader.
We Are The Shed, the organization that creates banners and stands for fans, confirmed that “something special” is planned for them at the final home game of the season.
Net profit or not, this doesn’t seem like a reliable and reliable strategy. Axel Disasi is a similar player to Charova, being two years older and
without any experience in England. If Chelsea don’t want to make a serious upgrade, it makes sense to keep the Englishman.
At first glance, Charova is clearly no Silva – even though he possesses qualities that the Brazilian currently lacks – and
if he can survive even half the career of his current teammates, It would be a great success.
However, when it comes to what both can offer Chelsea, there is no reason to suggest Chalobá is a suitable option to cover the possible departure of Chelsea’s number four.
