Thiago Silva has criticised Chelsea’s owners for their decision-making this season, which has resulted in the club’s Champions League exit and Liverpool watching on. The defender referenced the “incorrect step” that he feels is responsible for Chelsea‘s recent struggles and highlighted the squad size as a major cause for concern. Owner Todd Boehly is reportedly willing to consider offers for his “entire squad”, with Mason Mount one of several players who could potentially make the switch from Stamford Bridge to Anfield.
Speaking after his side fell to a 4-0 aggregate defeat to Real Madrid, Silva expressed his dissatisfaction at the manner in which the club has been run under its new ownership. He stated: “I think the first step has been made. An incorrect step, but it has been made. It’s a hard period for the club, with a lot of indecision. Change of ownership, new players arriving – we had to increase the size of the changing room because it didn’t fit the size of the squad.” Silva’s comments on squad size could be noteworthy from a Liverpool perspective, with the Reds also holding an interest in midfielder Conor Gallagher and centre-back Levi Colwill ahead of the transfer window.
Silva also suggested that the excessive number of players is having a negative impact on squad morale. He explained: “A positive point is that there are amazing players in the squad, but on the other hand there are always players that are going to be unhappy. There is always going to be someone upset because not everyone can play.” It is becoming increasingly clear that Chelsea will be forced to offload numerous assets this summer in order to trim their playing squad and meet UEFA requirements. This could present an opportunity for Liverpool, who are likely to bring in multiple reinforcements this summer, particularly in the midfield area.