It has not been an easy week for Reece James and Chelsea’s other players.
They were without a manager following Enzo Maresca’s shock exit on New Year’s Day and have just lost to west London rivals Fulham.
Their defeat at Craven Cottage means they have now won just once in their past nine Premier League games.
After the scenes at Fulham, where do Chelsea and Clearlake go from here?😬
Chelsea fans chant on Clearlake
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
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Marc Cucurella was sent off in the west London derby, so he will have to shoulder the blame for the team’s latest setback.
Marc Cururella gets sent off v Fulham.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Chelsea insiders ‘extremely impressed’ with Reece James’ leadership this week
Chelsea’s discipline has been poor this season, but James is at least proving to be a good example.
According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea insiders have been “extremely impressed” with how the defender has stepped up as a leader amid everything that has gone on at the club this week.
James would have been one player sad to see Maresca go, as the Italian has helped him to rediscover his best form.
START, BENCH, SELL: Marc Cucurella, Reece James and Malo Gusto
Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella coming on for Malo Gusto
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Which order are you going with? 🤔
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At one stage, James could not even get on the pitch because of all of his injury problems. However, under Maresca, he was able to overcome them and become a key player for the Blues again.
Maresca is said to be irate after claims that he was prepared to risk James’ fitness and play him despite being warned by Chelsea’s medical staff not to.
Liam Delap of Chelsea celebrates after scoring
Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
Where Liam Rosenior should play Reece James
Especially towards the end of his Chelsea tenure, Maresca used James in midfield. With Romeo Lavia still out injured, it is perhaps something that Liam Rosenior could do as well.
However, James is such an attacking threat on the right-hand side. His crossing is absolutely terrific.
Going forward, Chelsea will probably benefit more from James starting at right-back. Rosenior is likely to have a lot of trust in Andrey Santos after working with him at Strasbourg, so there should be more opportunities for him to play in midfield.
As long as James stays fit and is on the pitch, Chelsea supporters will be happy.
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