Thiago Silva dropped by Pochettino after Chelsea talks and wife controversy

07 February 2024 , 19:29

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Thiago Silva has been dropped by Mauricio Pochettino (Image: Getty Images)

Thiago Silva has been dropped by Mauricio Pochettino for Chelsea 's FA Cup fourth round replay against Aston Villa - just days after his wife appeared to call for the Blues boss to be sacked on social media.

The veteran defender, 39, has been benched for the all-Premier League match at Villa Park with Benoit Badiashile coming into the team in his place.

Silva's absence comes hot on the heels of Sunday's chastening 4-2 defeat against Wolves, which led to his his wife, Belle, reacting angrily on social media.

She posted after the loss: "It's time to change. If you wait any longer it will be too late," before later backtracking and issuing an apology shortly before the Villa match.

Belle subsequently said: "I'm sorry that my personal outburst as a passionate Chelsea fan has caused such an impact. I'm passionate about the team, I thrive on victories and I'm saddened by defeats. We all want the same thing, a winning team, come on Chelsea."

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Her apology came shortly after Pochettino confirmed that he had spoken with Silva privately over his wife's social media comments. Speaking said in his press conference on Tuesday, Pochettino said: "He came today to talk with me. I am not going to talk about the way we were talking.

"The important thing is he came and wanted to talk with me and of course, you know me after more than 10 years, how I am. We are very strong coaching staff and very strong in our way to operate and the way that we are. he came to talk, we talk and that was private and that is it. Private things for me we keep inside."

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Silva spoke with Mauricio Pochettino privately following comments made by his wife on social media over the weekend (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Pochettino gave a spiky response when he was quizzed about Thiago's omission from the starting line-up on ITV Sport ahead of the Villa match but insisted there was no malice behind the decision.

The Argentine, who was visibly taken aback by the question, said: "I am professional. I always pick my players on performance on balance."

The former Tottenham and Inter Milan boss is currently under pressure with Chelsea languishing in 11th place in the Premier League standings. His job is not believed to be under any immediate threat, though, and the Blues have already booked their place in the Carabao Cup final which will take place later this month.

Dan Marsh