Thiago Silva on his role, Renato, Arias and Al Hilal

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Thiago Silva spent months on a Muscovite hospital bed crying his eyes out. The 19-year-old had been told part of his lung would be removed and he’dnever play football again. 
 
Tuberculosis and its aftermath hurtled Thiago into depression, but one day he suddenly shook off self-pity. He had a new goal in life: if he couldn’tcarry on as a player, he’d become a coach. 
 
Thiago passed those lonely days in hospital imagining his middle-aged self making tactical adjustments in a major competition. He did just that during a Round-of-16 game at the FIFA Club World Cup™ on Monday. The 40-year-old was not, however, the Tricolor coach but a player.

With Fluminense 1-0 up but on the ropes against FC Internazionale Milano, the centre-back, exploiting a cooling break in the second half, suggested switching to a 5-4-1 in unprecedented scenes. He also recommended putting Everaldo, a striker, on the wing and Jhon Arias, a playmaker, up top. Renato Gaucho, the actual shot-caller, agreed. It helped Flu see out one of the greatest results in their 123-year history as they snatched a late second on the break.

Ahead of a quarter-final against Al Hilal at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Thiago spoke to FIFA about his unusual role in the Fluminense squad, Marcos Leonardo and Al Hilal, the form of Jhon Arias and the Tricolor supporters.

FIFA: How does it feel to have eliminated Internazionale and reached the quarter-finals?

Thiago Silva: It’s without doubt a source of great pride. Because it’s not easy to face European teams, especially the Champions League runners-up. That shows what a great season they’ve had. The result fills us with pride. Not only did we take them on, but we also managed to play well. We got a good result, 2-0. It gives us a feeling of wanting more, of not wanting to stop here.

What do you think of Al Hilal?

I think they’re an excellent team. They’re a team who’ve been playing together for some time now. They now have a new system with [Simone] Inzaghi, but they haven’t lost the technical ability of their players. We’re going to give them the maximum attention possible, becausethey’regreat players. Each one of them is also in a really good moment in their career.

Have you had any contact with Kalidou Koulibaly about the game?

No. I hope to speak to him after the game. Koulibaly is a guy I have a lot of affection for. When he went to Chelsea, I was asked about the possibility of signing him. I knew him right away, I watched the Italian league a lot. I gave my ‘OK’,saying that they could bring him, that he would be an outstanding signing. He’s shown this over the years, throughout his career. But now is the moment to support against him! (laughs) After the game we will have a chat.

What do you think of Marcos Leonardo?

He's an outstanding striker. He’s in great form. If I’m not mistaken, he’s scored 27 or 28 goals this season. That shows how much ability he has. We have to pay as much attention as possible to him and to whoever is trying to pass the ball to him. Al Hilal don’t just have one player who is crucial to the team’s technical and tactical system. They have great cohesion throughout the team. I think wehave to worry about each one of them.

At 44 years old Fabio has kept three clean sheets in four games at this tournament… 

Man, I have a lot of respect for Fabio. Because it’s not easy, at 44 years old, to do what he’s doing. He’s one of the guys who trains the most on our team. Days after the game he’s back on the field. He’s the only guy who played the last game who’s still on the field. He has huge motivation, great desire to work hard. He’s a great professional. I’m a bit biased because I’m right there by his side during the whole game.I know the levels of attention to detail and commitment this player has. I’m happy to be part of the end of his career, and to be able to help in some way.

Jhon Arias has won three Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match awards. What do you think of the football he’s been playing?

Jhon Arias, for me, is one of the best players in our country today. If he hasn’t been the best, he’s certainly been one of the best players at this Club World Cup. I’m not saying this because he plays for Fluminense, but because of the football he’s played, the stats he has, how much he drives the team. I hope he is voted the [Michelob Ultra Superior] Player of the Match once again. If we qualify, that will make it even better.

Can you tell us about the freedom Renato gives you to suggest making tactical alterations?

Renato is a very open guy. He’s an open book, you know? I’ve had a good relationship with him for a long time. Since I was at Fluminense in 2007, 2008. I was called up to the Brazilian national team for the first time under Renato. He’s given me a lot of advice over the years, and since I came back to Fluminense. That, without doubt, improves you as a player. We have a good relationship. My exchange with him was important. I think it’s normal in football for the coach to be open with his captain. Or with another player, regardless of whether he’s the captain. Renato is very open with me. I try to help in the best way possible, giving my advice. That’s the way I do things. Renato’s humble side enables this to happen. Not all coaches have the humility to understand what the player feels.

The Fluminense fans have been making quite a splash here in the States…

Our fans are fundamental. A club without fans must be very sad. We have a great fan base, whether they are in Rio, in other parts of Brazil, in the United States. Some had the opportunity to be here with us here. Those who couldn’t are in Rio, cheering, sending us positive energy. When we watch videos of the packed Laranjeiras, everyone crying, hugging each other after the positive result in the last game, it definitely fills us with emotion to continue here and represent each one of them well.

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