Reece James had a tricky role as a hybrid central defender in Chelsea’s win over Napoli on Wednesday night, but he got the job done, and today has been speaking about what he called a “special victory.”
“We’re progressing, we’re learning, we’re adapting, and we’re evolving with every opportunity we get, and I think we showed that against Napoli,” the captain said in quotes picked up by the club’s official website.
“Napoli is always a super difficult place to come; it’s an amazing stadium with an amazing atmosphere. The game was difficult, but it’s a huge step in the right direction.
“It was a special performance from a special group. It’s a super tough place to come and win, especially when they’re leading. I think that was a statement win.”
Captain set for big benefit of Chelsea’s Neapolitan efforts
Chelsea's team to face Napoli.
Chelsea’s team to face Napoli. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)
Perhaps the best thing for James and his teammates about that victory was that it rules his team out of the two legged playoff next month.
For someone like the captain, with his well known injury issues, that’s a big deal. It gives him two blessed midweeks to rest and recover at a crucial moment in the season.
Let’s hope it helps him and his teammates pull off more special wins like this one in the months to come.
In other news…
Ben Jacobs has contradicted some of the Fabrizio Romano news last night that Axel Disasi was “very close” to a loan to West Ham. Jacobs has insisted that Chelsea still want a sale, and West Ham are looking at other options. So don’t count this one as done just yet.
Andrey Santos has benefitted from the arrival of Liam Rosenior, playing far more than he was under Enzo Maresca and carving out a really important role in the team.
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