Reece James admits he found captaining Chelsea “very difficult” at first because of the pressure and his lack of fitness.
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James was appointed captain by Mauricio Pochettino at the start of the 2023/2024 season following Cesar Azpilicueta’s departure from the club.
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The 26-year-old was dealing with a hamstring injury that ultimately required surgery and missed most of the season.
Reece James talks Chelsea captain
James then suffered a few more hamstring injuries in 2024/2025, although not as severe as before.
The England international has now really grown into a leadership role and become captain, but admits he found it very difficult at first.
James truly grew into a leader during his time as captain. (Photo by Ryan Pierce/Getty Images)
“I think the easiest thing for me, and probably when I’ve grown the most as a leader, is when I’m fit and healthy,” he told the club’s in-house media in an exclusive interview on the Chelsea App.
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“When I first got the role, I found it very tough, you know, stressful, and I wasn’t suited; I wasn’t in the game.
“So it’s difficult to get the message out to the team and help push everyone.
“I try to find my footing and push other people.
“I think once I started playing more regularly, I improved a lot and continued to move forward.”
Captain leads by example
The 26-year-old captain is now one of the older members of the squad, with Roberto Sanchez revealing James is always the first one on the training ground.
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James returns to action against Hull City in the FA Cup after missing the previous three games and will play a key role in the remainder of the season.
Chelsea face Burnley at Stamford Bridge on Saturday before back-to-back away games against Arsenal and Aston Villa at the start of March, and they hope James will be available for the match.
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