Reece James has suggested Chelsea “disrespected” the competition after their defeat to Legia Warsaw on Thursday night.
The Blues turned in another poor performance as they slumped to a 2-1 defeat in front of a sparse Stamford Bridge crowd.
Having had a 3-0 lead from the first leg Chelsea advanced to the semi finals where they will face Swedish side Djurgårdens, but this performance did nothing to allay the negative feeling around the club right now.
James suggests Chelsea disrespected the competition
Maresca surprisingly took the decision to field a really strong team with the likes of James, Marc Cucurella, Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson all starting.
However, this didn’t seem to make a difference and Chelsea found themselves a goal down early on after Filip Jorgensen gave away a penalty.
James once again played in midfield as he has done in recent weeks, but the captain was unable to inspire Chelsea as concern continues to build around the club.
The 25-year-old spoke after the game and his comments will be a worry to supporters as he suggested the Blues didn’t prepare properly.
“Today that was for sure not progress; if anything, it was a step back. Maybe we disrespected the competition today, but this is football; if you don’t prepare right, you will pay.,” he told TNT Sports.
These are damning comments which don’t reflect well on the players or manager and perhaps offer an insight into what’s going on at the club right now.
James can only do so much as captain and former Blue Steve Sidwell questioned where the leaders were after the game.
Joe Cole has also called for Chelsea to sign experience, and the second half of the season has laid bare the deficiencies in the squad.
James, who didn’t feature at all against Ipswich likely won’t start Sunday’s game against Fulham given how careful Maresca is being with his fitness, and the whole situation surrounding the England international feels a bit strange.
CHELSEA FOOTBALL TEAM NEED OVERHAULING MAJORITY OF THE PLAYERS DON’T DESERVE TO PLAY FOR A TEAM LIKE CHELSEA AND THE COACH SHOULD HAVE BEEN SACKED BY NOW AS AT NOW CHELSEA DON’T DESERVE THE POSITION AT THE LEAGUE TABLE SOWHAT HAVE GONE WRONG WITH THE PLAYERS CHELSEA WAKE UP I LOVE THE BLUES BLUES IS FOREVER
Our performance was very porous we lacked innovation we didn’t seem to have a game plan. We’re supposed to have been a better team yet our level of play was above the opponents. It’s time we as fans make our voices be heard louder whether we want to admit it or not we don’t deserve to be called one of the league’s best team our performance dictates that. I think the players lost their desire to compete from the moment the coach said we can’t win the league we’re not ready!!!!!! What they sitting in 2nd position and showed signs of improvement as if some cohesiveness was beginning to develop. Some players seemed uninterested some even complacent their formed dipped and the coach has made some questionable decisions on personnel in some key games. Especially the ones we were supposed to have won. Players have to be accountable as well The Badge The Colors The Fans aren’t pleased we’ve been patient we need to see Chelsea we fight the fear of coming to our Home to play the mystique is missing from this team I for one is pissed now we’re in 7th fighting to stay alive for the 5th. Are we banking on them winning the Europa and securing a sure spot for CL next season their past 2 games dosent make me feel that confident in them. Chelsea “BLUES” for life.
Our performance was very porous we lacked innovation we didn’t seem to have a game plan. We’re supposed to have been a better team yet our level of play wasn’t above the opponents. It’s time we as fans make our voices be heard louder !!!! whether we want to admit it or not we don’t deserve to be called one of the league’s best teams our performance dictates that. I think the players lost their desire to compete from the moment the coach said we can’t win the league we’re not ready!!!!!! What !!!! If anything he should have been boosting them build their confidence and morale they were sitting in 2nd position for gods sake and showed signs of improvement some cohesiveness was beginning to develop. Some players seemed uninterested after some even complacent their formed dipped and the coach has made some questionable decisions on personnel in some key games. Especially the ones we were supposed to have won. Players have to be accountable as well The Badge The Colors The Fans aren’t pleased we’ve been patient we need to see Chelsea the fight the fear of coming to our Home to play isn’t there the mystique is missing from this team I for one am pissed now we’re in 7th fighting to stay alive for the 5th spot. Are we banking on them winning the Europa and securing a sure spot for CL next season their past 2 games dosent make me feel that confident in them. Chelsea “BLUES” for life.