Reece James has admitted he is ‘very excited’ to get to work at Chelsea when new manager Xabi Alonso officially takes over.
Chelsea have handed Alonso the role of manager rather than head coach, a luxury both Liam Rosenior and Enzo Maresca didn’t enjoy earlier this season.
The Blues are focused on trying to qualify for Europe for next season in their final game of the campaign against Sunderland. A win will confirm their place in at least the Conference League.
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Reece James ‘very excited’ by Xabi Alonso appointment at Chelsea
Chelsea are hopeful James will be fit to play, as he prepares to be the club’s only representative in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.
The skipper will also play a crucial part under Alonso next season, and told Sky Sports he is really looking forward to working with him.
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He said: “This is my home. I always wanted to stay. The new appointment is an amazing manager, he was a world-class player, won many titles, very excited to have him.
“I think it helps a lot, he’s been in the players’ shoes at the highest levels, and he knows what it takes to win. It’s been brief because we still have to finish off this season in the right way, but everyone’s excited.
Calum McFarlane will be tasked with leading the Blues in their crucial final game of the season against Sunderland, with Alonso taking over on July 1.
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Which formation should Chelsea use under Xabi Alonso
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Alonso could be perfect for Reece James
A number of Chelsea players could benefit from the hiring of Alonso when looking back at how he operated while in charge of Bayer Leverkusen.
While it is unlikely the England international occupies the flying wing-back role which Jeremie Frimpong did, James could star in the Alejandro Grimaldo position where he created a lot from deep.
Recent managers at Stamford Bridge have struggled with which position to use the skipper in. He has frequently operated in midfield for big games.
However, there is certainly an argument that one of the best right-backs in the world should be used in his favoured role, something which could clearly happen when Alonso takes over.
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