Pochettino confirms that injury ravaged Chelsea ace is working towards full fitness

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino confirms that Reece James continues to work hard

In the aftermath of Chelsea’s recent 4-1 defeat against Newcastle, Reece James found himself at the centre of criticism for his red card. However, manager Mauricio Pochettino has come to the defence of the Chelsea captain, shedding light on James’ ongoing journey towards peak physical condition.

Pochettino, in a press conference ahead of the upcoming clash against Brighton, addressed the criticism levelled at James, attributing the red card incident to the player’s evolving fitness level. The Argentine tactician emphasized that James is still in the process of regaining full fitness and acknowledged the toll that fatigue took on the defender, leading to the ill-fated decision to bring down Anthony Gordon. Here is what Poch told the press via football.london:

“Yes, of course. It’s part of the process also. Too many times he was injured but now step by step, he is building.

“I think he was a little bit tired in the moment when he got the second yellow card. And of course, he realises he is still far away from his best condition, to complete 90 minutes – he is working really hard.”

James, recognising the impact of his red card on the team’s performance, took to Instagram to publicly apologize for his actions post-game. As Chelsea gears up for the upcoming fixture against Brighton, the backing from Pochettino serves as a testament to the manager’s trust in James’ potential.

James’ apology on Instagram following the match reflects the player’s accountability and professionalism. The Chelsea captain is not shying away from the responsibility that comes with wearing the armband and is certainly committed to reaching his peak performance levels.

Captain Reece!

As Chelsea prepare for the clash against Brighton this weekend, Pochettino’s support for James becomes a rallying cry for the entire squad. The manager’s acknowledgement of the player’s fatigue underlines the physical demands of top-tier football and reinforces the need for a carefully managed return to full fitness.

The defender’s journey back to full fitness is a work in progress, and Pochettino’s acknowledgement of this process surely reaffirms the club’s commitment to supporting their players in both triumphs and setbacks.

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Mauricio Pochettino’s defence of Reece James surely serves as a reminder that every setback is a stepping stone to a comeback. With unwavering support from the manager and the Chelsea faithful, James’s journey to reclaim his peak form continues, promising brighter days ahead for the captain.