Thiago Silva 'begins coaching course' as he takes first steps into management

Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has reportedly taken his first step towards eventually becoming a manager by starting a coaching course in Brazil.

The 36-year-old defender signed for Chelsea on a free transfer from French giants Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.

And Globo Esporte have reported Silva has begun a Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) course, which makes up part of his UEFA B coaching licence.

He started the course alongside former Blues left back Filipe Luis, now at Flamengo, and ex-Tottenham midfielder Paulinho, 32, now at Guangzhou Evergrande.

Luis, 35, is said to be the most interested of the three in becoming a manager after his playing days, with Silva open to the possibility but keen to prepare for multiple options after his playing days finish.

The classes were held online to comply with coronavirus rules and could therefore be nicely fitted around the trio's packed playing schedules, with in-person sessions and tests to be completed later.

Brazilian defender Silva made a shaky start on his Chelsea debut, making a mistake by gifting a goal to Callum Robinson as Chelsea drew 3-3 with West Bromwich Albion.

But he has proved an assured presence since then, keeping four clean sheets in his first seven Premier League games.

He has also struck up a solid defensive pairing alongside Kurt Zouma and is firmly ensconced as one of Frank Lampard's first-choice centre backs when fit.

Silva has also donned the captain's armband at times when captain Cesar Azpilicueta and vice-captain Jorginho have been absent.

Frank Lampard's side are currently unbeaten in their last 17 matches across all competitions, with Silva's authority and leadership a big part of that.

Sportsmail reported in November that the club are already keen to trigger a one-year extension in Silva's contract to keep him at the club until 2022.