Incoming Chelsea new boss set to make tough Reece James decision
The next Chelsea manager should install Reece James as the team’s captain at Stamford Bridge, according to Emmanuel Petit.
Prior to the 2023–24 season, the Chelsea academy product was selected captain. However, he had a disappointing campaign as injuries limited him to just 11 appearances across all competitions.
James hasn’t played “anywhere near enough” over the past two seasons, according to Petit, who also thinks it’s illogical for him to remain captain considering his health problems.
The French World Cup winner therefore suggests that Chelsea’s incoming manager ‘consider’ removing James’ armband and giving it to Conor Gallagher.
This season, Gallagher made 39 appearances for Chelsea, frequently serving as the team’s captain when James was away.
Chelsea are still searching for a new manager after Mauricio Pochettino agreed to leave west London after crunch talks with the club’s owners following the end of the season.
‘We all know James is such a great player and we’re always crossing our fingers that he plays as much as possible,’ Petit, who spent three years at Chelsea, told BoyleSports, who offer the latest Euro 2024 betting.
‘However, how much has he played in the last two years? It’s nowhere near enough.
‘You cannot be the captain when you miss the majority of games – it reminds me of Abou Diaby at Arsenal when you could just never rely on him due to his unfortunate injuries.
‘Conor Gallagher should be the club captain, it certainly needs to be considered by the new manager. Gallagher is a symbol on the pitch and plays every game so it has to be him.’
James, who was left out of England’s provisional Euro 2024 squad earlier in the week, apologised to Pochettino following his departure from Chelsea.
‘Thank you for everything boss,’ he posted on Instagram. ‘We had an amazing relationship from the moment we met.
‘I never played as much as I would have hoped under you, which I am sorry for but also something I couldn’t control.
‘You believed in me and gave me a huge responsibility when many others doubted me. Thank you all and good luck in the future!’
Chelsea were languishing in mid-table for much of the season but won their last five games in a row to finish sixth and qualify for Europe.
Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna, Brentford manager Thomas Frank and Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca are believed to be three of the leading contenders to be named as Pochettino’s replacement at Chelsea.