Chelsea’s Silva says it’s ‘never easy to play or win’ at San Siro against Milan

Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has said that it is ‘never easy’ to play at San Siro and get a result against AC Milan ahead of Tuesday night’s clash.

Silva was chosen to deliver a press conference (transcribed by Milan News) for Chelsea on Monday night ahead of the match against his former team whom he helped to win a Scudetto.

He is someone who knows what the atmosphere is like at San Siro better than most and he knows that it will be very tough for Chelsea to repeat the 3-0 victory they enjoyed at Stamford Bridge last week which made Milan’s job much tougher.

“Milan are always showing improvement. They missed one game against us last week, but as a great team they won’t miss the second one in a row. They had a great result against Juve. It’s never easy to play or win here: we have to be ready,” the Brazilian said.

Silva was asked about what impressed him the most about this current Milan team and he immediately picked out English defender Fikayo Tomori who joined the Rossoneri from Chelsea after he was deemed surplus to requirements.

“Tomori certainly impressed me: I was with him a few months before he came to Milan. I knew it wasn’t easy for him: a guy with a lot of quality who has changed country and culture,” he said.

“He showed that he has great quality. The best football school for a defender is Italy, I always say that. Today I am excited and tomorrow even more so, my wife will surely cry…. I hope that in the end we can laugh together about what we have experienced and that we can win.”

He also talked about how it will be a really tough game from a defensive point of view as Milan’s best attackers won’t miss two games in a row.

“It will be a difficult game and it won’t be easy to defend. Great players don’t miss two games in a row. We have to be careful with Leao but also with the players who give him the ball and those he serves, like Giroud in the area,” Silva said.

“We have to be focused on what we have to do defensively. With Theo [Hernandez], Milan gain a lot: he’s one of the best wingers in the world at the moment. He has an important job, he attacks and defends well.”

Would you like to finish your career at AC Milan?

“My passage here has already taken place and my story has already been created. If there was a possibility it was before Chelsea. About the future I don’t know, I still have many years to play. I feel good here in a team with great champions. But in the future, as a coach maybe…”

How do you still feel ready to play at this level?

“I feel good, I feel good physically. After Crystal Palace I had a cold and I am still not 100% recovered. I’m not frustrated about missing the last game, I talked about it with the coach. At 38 years old, I can’t play every game and I have to manage”.

How do you feel about coming back to the San Siro against AC Milan?

“I’m very happy and excited to be here after 11-12 years: I’m reminded of everything I’ve been through at this great club. Tomorrow I will try to be mentally strong.”

What can you tell us about your future, did you talk about the contract with Chelsea?

“This is not the moment to talk about the new contract and what will happen. I want to continue playing as I am doing, helping the team. For the contract I will think about it later before or after the World Cup. I will also have to decide with my family.”

How much does Kantè’s absence affect Chelsea?

“He is a player who gives everything for the team. At the important moment of the season an important injury arrived and it is not easy to be a protagonist again. He is a unique person and I am lucky to know him. I hope he can recover as quickly as possible. With him we are also stronger in terms of motivation and character: having him gives you more peace of mind.”