Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has expressed his regret at the Blues’ inability to qualify for this season’s Champions League as the competition for 2023-24 kicks off.
The west London team finished 12th in the Premier League last season, which means they will not compete in any European competition this year.
Chelsea passed through four managers during the 2022-23 season as they failed to regain form, despite Todd Boehly’s significant investment.
Since the American took over as owner last summer, the Blues have spent almost €1 billion in total.
However, they will not be competing in the Champions League this season, something they have not done since winning the Europa League under Maurizio Sarri in 2018-19.
With AC Milan vs. Newcastle and Young Boys vs. RB Leipzig kicking off the 2023-24 league, Thiago Silva – now known as X – took to Twitter to express his regret that Chelsea will not be participating in the UCL this season.
Chelsea’s difficulties
Thiago Silva helped Chelsea win the Champions League in 2021 under Thomas Tuchel, with the Blues defeating Manchester City 1-0 in the final thanks to a goal from Kai Havertz.
After suffering an injury in the first half, Silva was replaced by Andreas Christensen in the final.
Only three players from that day’s Chelsea matchday squad are still with the club this season: Reece James, Ben Chilwell, and Silva.
Kepa Arrizbalaga, who came off the bench against City, is still on Chelsea’s books, but he is on loan at Real Madrid until 2023-24. The Spaniard has also stated that he would prefer to stay at Los Blancos beyond this season.
Chelsea presently sits in 14th place in the Premier League, eight points behind the top four. During the Blues’ 0-0 draw with Bournemouth, Silva was seen berating his teammates about the lack of passing possibilities.
