Chelsea did not ‘put together proper’ earlier than Convention League defeat – Reece James
Chelsea captain Reece James has stated his aspect “disrespected the competitors” as they misplaced 2-1 to Polish aspect Legia Warsaw within the UEFA Convention League quarterfinal on Thursday.
The London aspect, who gained the two-legged tie 4-2, will face Djurgården within the semifinal after profitable their first leg comfortably 3-0.
Nonetheless, Reece bemoaned his aspect’s poor preparation headed into the house leg of the tie.
“We had a 3-0 lead, possibly that performed an element in taking our foot off the gasoline,” James stated. “We’re making progress however that was not progress. If something it was a step again.
“Possibly we disrespected the competitors. For those who do not put together proper, you’ll pay.
“It is going to have an effect on the mindset. It is going to be behind individuals’s heads. I perceive the frustration. Followers come to see pleasure, we have been irritating to observe.”
Regardless of profitable the primary leg, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca named a robust lineup with Cole Palmer, James and Jadon Sancho all beginning.
Goalkeeper Filip Jörgensen stored his spot within the XI from the primary leg however his rash problem gifted Warsaw a tenth minute penalty, which Tomas Pekhart transformed to provide Warsaw the lead.
Left-back Marc Cucurella drew Chelsea degree close to the half-hour mark. The Spain worldwide is Chelsea’s prime scorer of 2025 with Cole Palmer and Nicholas Jackson going 15 and 12 video games with out discovering the again of the web respectively.
Boss Maresca agreed with James’ feedback and stated Chelsea didn’t respect Legia sufficient however praised the followers behaviour within the stands.
“I did not see any dangerous moments from the followers,” Maresca stated. “I already stated after the final recreation we have to interact them, so it is what we’ve got to do.
“We aren’t pleased with the defeat, most likely after profitable the primary leg 3-0 we tried to handle issues a little bit bit, tried to keep away from harm, rotate gamers with an essential recreation on Sunday.”
Chelsea face west London rivals Fulham within the Premier League on Sunday as they appear to safe Champions League qualification for subsequent season.
