Reece James revealed in a press conference on Tuesday that he has one goal for next season and that’s to stay on the pitch.
James is currently with the rest of the Chelsea squad in America on their pre-season tour, and is likely to feature in their first friendly against Wrexham on Wednesday evening.
This is a crucial season for James given the injury issues that have plagued him over the last couple of years, and he and everyone associated with the club will be hoping the surgery he had on his hamstring will be the end of the recurring issues he’s had.
James has come through the first two weeks of pre-season training unscathed and will no doubt be desperate to get back out on the pitch.
The 24-year-old will have to wait slightly longer than everyone else to get his first taste of proper action as he’s banned for the first three Premier League games because of a red card picked up against Brighton at the back end of last season.
The academy graduate is well aware he needs to stay fit this season, and he could be set to undertake a new role with Maresca known to invert the fullback into midfield.
James was asked in the pre-match press conference what his goals were for the upcoming season and he simply replied that his only goal was to stay on the pitch.
Everyone at Chelsea will be hoping that’s the case as a fully fit and firing James is a real game changer for the Blues.
Reece James: I have one goal… my goal is to stay on the pitch 😅 pic.twitter.com/m0OMac6HPx
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) July 24, 2024