Thiago Silva has issued a stern message to his Chelsea teammates, accusing them of letting egos get in the way of team success.
As his contract nears its end, Silva, who will be leaving Stamford Bridge next month, used his farewell to challenge his fellow players to prioritize the team’s welfare over personal pride.
The 39-year-old Brazilian defender joined Chelsea four years ago and quickly made an impact by helping the team win the Champions League in his first season.
However, Silva has also witnessed Chelsea’s decline in the Premier League standings over subsequent seasons.
Reflecting on this downturn, Silva emphasized the need for a cultural shift within the squad.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Silva didn’t hold back his criticism.
He remarked, “These lads need to understand that Chelsea needs to battle for the top spots.
I believe it will succeed if we shed a little of our ego and work for the team.
Unfortunately, nothing will change in the circumstance if we don’t take that action.”
This statement highlights Silva’s belief that the team’s current struggles are as much about mentality as they are about tactics or talent.
Silva’s comments come after a tumultuous period for Chelsea, marked by the departure of former manager Graham Potter and the subsequent challenges faced under new manager Mauricio Pochettino.
The team’s performance has not lived up to expectations, and Silva sees this as a direct result of the players not fully committing to the collective goals of the club.
As Silva prepares to return to his former club Fluminense when the Brazilian transfer window opens on July 10, he left a heartfelt message for his Chelsea teammates.
“You know, I know what it means to wear a Chelsea shirt.
If I had to convey a message to the lads present, I would like them to comprehend that their efforts to reach Chelsea had to be worthwhile,” he said.
Silva’s words underscore his belief in the honor and responsibility that comes with playing for a club of Chelsea’s stature.
Silva was blunt in his assessment of the current season, declaring it “unworthy of Chelsea.”
He stressed that the players must elevate their performance levels next year.
“Because our current campaign is unworthy of Chelsea. It’s not. And I believe that they must do more the next year,” Silva insisted.
His frustration with the team’s standing in the league was palpable, as he pointed out that Chelsea’s supporters have remained loyal despite the team’s poor performances.
Silva praised the unwavering support of Chelsea fans, who have consistently filled the stands despite the team’s struggles.
“You can see that the supporters of the team never once abandoned the games. We were eighth, or ninth, I believe? There were always supporters, too,” he said.
He noted that the fans’ dedication deserves to be matched by the players’ efforts on the pitch.
The veteran defender’s call for a change in attitude is a plea for the team to come together and work towards common goals.
Silva highlighted that the fans, despite their disappointment, have remained supportive, showing up in large numbers for every match.
This loyalty, he argued, should inspire the players to shed their individual egos and work harder for the club’s success.
