Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has, on Saturday, provided an insight into his decision not to hand the captain’s armband in west London to veteran defender Thiago Silva.
The subject of the captaincy situation, of course, has taken its place centre stage in the headlines at Stamford Bridge across the summer.
This comes after former Blues skipper Cesar Azpilicueta brought an end to his iconic stint in west London, in favour of linking up with Spanish giants Atletico Madrid.
The incoming Pochettino, in turn, was left with a major call to make, on the man set to lead his squad into the new season.
In the end, the Argentine opted for Reece James, a decision widely praised across the Chelsea fanbase.
After James suffered just the latest in a seemingly never-ending string of injuries this week, though, small sections of the Pensioners faithful have begun to question whether the England international will be available regularly enough to fulfill his duties as captain in England’s capital.
Chelsea confirm captain Reece James is set for spell on the sidelines after suffering an injury in training🔵 pic.twitter.com/BmvBc6GsCw
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 18, 2023
Speaking to the media on Saturday, the subject of his captaincy choice, and opting against Silva, was therefore put to the aforementioned Pochettino.
And Chelsea’s boss was not shy in providing an in-depth explanation, confirming that his backing of James was with a view not just to the present, ‘but for the future’, too:
“For many different reasons, I am looking not only in the present but for the future.
Pochettino also went on to hint that Silva was not at all bothered by the call, adding:
“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.
“You don’t need the armband on to feel like a captain. He is a captain also and will help Chilwell and Reece. He will be a great captain for the club.”
Pochettino: Why Thiago Silva was not made Chelsea captain
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