Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has shown his true colours by putting his full support behind Reece James, insisting no player should take sole blame for poor results. The Blues captain has had a difficult season so far but his head coach has full belief in him as a player and a leader.
James was made Chelsea captain following the departure of Cesar Azpilicueta in the summer. But he suffered a nightmare start, sustaining a hamstring injury on the opening day of the campaign against Liverpool.
He didn’t return for over two months and has been in and out of the Chelsea side since. His workload has been managed, while he was also sent off in the demoralising 4-1 defeat to Newcastle in November.
James received criticism for his performance at St James’ Park as well as in the 2-1 loss at Manchester United last Wednesday. He only came on at half-time at Old Trafford but put in a below-par showing as the Red Devils picked up a 2-1 win.
But Pochettino has launched a defence of his skipper, insisting the whole team must take responsibility rather than individuals. The Argentine said: “I think the priority for Reece now is to build his confidence and fitness and work towards completing 90 minutes.
“Of course, we are competing and want to win, but what’s best for Reece is time and giving him game time. If not, it is difficult for him to be fit.
“If you ask me about both games [Newcastle and United] I think we cannot blame him and need to blame everyone. If you didn’t win, it is because something collective didn’t work.”
James returned to the starting XI for Sunday’s trip to Everton but was again forced off with another hamstring issue. It was just his fifth start of the campaign in the Premier League, following just 14 he made last term.
Staying fit has been the 24-year-old’s main problem and ultimately saw him miss the World Cup in Qatar last year. Pochettino has been pleased with James’ impact since he took on the extra responsibility.
But he knows it was hard for him to watch on from the sidelines. He added: “He’s doing really well as captain. He’s helping the club.
“He’s helping his team-mates. He’s helping in every single decision in which he’s involved. He’s always positive.
“You need to remember for any captain, if he’s not playing, it’s difficult to be involved and to help the team, but he’s doing a fantastic job. I am so happy with him.”
