Chelsea defender Thiago Silva says he appreciates the management of Mauricio Pochettino.

Thiago admits Pochettino has shaken him out of his "comfort zone" this season.

He told the Guardian: "Pochettino has helped me a lot with my fitness.

“Not that I was complacent but I was in my comfort zone. It looks like everything is fine, and it feels fine, but he managed to get me out of that area."

Asked about plans beyond playing, Thiago added: “On the pitch I'm already a bit of a manager, right?

“As I watch the game from the back, I see a lot of situations. And then I warn [the others] about certain situations. I talk to the staff, to Pochettino, so that we don't make mistakes.

"Sometimes, only us on the pitch realise what's wrong and what could be done better. And there are situations that those who are off the pitch, with a clear mind, see much better. This relationship is important."