Chelsea identify Thiago Silva 'as future manager' days after Enzo Maresca appointment

Chelsea reportedly view former defender Thiago Silva as a long-term head coach candidate. It is claimed that the Blues want to create a production line of coaches within BlueCo’s multi-club network, similar to the one created by the City Football Group (CFG).

Several coaches who have worked under Manchester City’s owners have gone on to enjoy huge success. Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta and incoming Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca were both assistants to Pep Guardiola at City.

Ange Postecoglou and Girona’s Michel also worked within the CFG structure. Postecoglou left Yokohama F. Marinos to join Celtic before taking the Tottenham job. Michel guided Girona to third place in La Liga last season and has admirers across Europe.

Brazil icon Silva departed Chelsea at the end of last season but revealed that he would be open to a return in another capacity in the future. The 39-year-old has joined Fluminense on a free transfer.

According to the Evening Standard, Silva is one of the players identified as a future coach by Chelsea’s hierarchy. They reportedly want to create a ‘conveyor belt’ of coaching talent to rival CFG.

Silva’s leadership skills at Chelsea were particularly impressive, especially surrounded by a far younger group of players. It is claimed that his tactical acumen and analytical abilities made him stand out as a future developer of talent.

BlueCo reportedly see Silva as a potential coach of one of the teams within their multi-club network. The consortium, led by Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, also own 100 per cent of French club Strasbourg.

There is also scope for Silva to return to Stamford Bridge to lead Chelsea. However, the West Londoners have only just hired Maresca from Leicester to replace Mauricio Pochettino.

Upon leaving Chelsea at the end of the season, Silva said: “My sons play for Chelsea so it’s a source of great pride to be a part of the Chelsea family – literally because my sons are here. I hope they can continue their careers here at this victorious club that many players wish to be part of.

“I think in everything I did here over the four years, I always gave my all. But, unfortunately, everything has a start, a middle and an end.

“That doesn’t mean that this is a definitive end. I hope to leave the door open so that in the near future I can return, albeit in another role here.”