Chelsea captain Reece James has reunited with Thomas Tuchel at England during March’s international break.
Reece James, 25, is back in an England squad for the first time in two years. There has never been any doubt about his individual ability, but his frequent injury problems are well documented.
Thomas Tuchel, who won three trophies during 20 months as the Chelsea manager earlier in his coaching career, is now working in international football for the first time.
The German coach was appointed the England boss, and he recently picked his first Three Lions squad ahead of March’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.
Tuchel explained James’ inclusion in England’s squad by saying that the Chelsea skipper is fully fit after checks with the medical team at Stamford Bridge.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Chelsea star Reece James names Thomas Tuchel as his best ever manager
James has openly admitted in an interview this week that Tuchel is the best manager he’s worked under.
When asked where he would rank Tuchel in terms of managers he’s worked with, James told ITV Football: “With what I’ve worked with? The best. There’s various reasons why… But I think he brought trophies to the club when we probably least expected it, in a difficult period.”
While it may be a good way to get into Tuchel’s good books during this current England camp, we wonder what current Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca makes of the comments.
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James named Tuchel as the very best because of the trophies he won at Chelsea under him, including the Champions League in 2021.
As for Maresca, he’s yet to win a piece of silverware during his debut season in the Blues dugout, but his side are favourites to win this year’s Conference League competition. In fairness, James has had a stop-start campaign as well because of injury as he adjusts to Maresca’s methods.
Chelsea defender Levi Colwill is a massive fan of Maresca, claiming he’s “light years above” other managers with how much he thinks about football.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Reece James record under each Chelsea manager
James has played more games at Chelsea under Tuchel than anyone else, plus enjoyed success with him. Therefore, it’s no real surprise to hear him speak so glowingly about the England boss.
Coach Appearances Goals Assists Yellow cards Red cards Trophies
Thomas Tuchel 74 7 12 11 1 3
Frank Lampard 59 3 7 7 0 0
Enzo Maresca 14 2 1 1 0 0
Graham Poter 13 1 1 3 0 0
Mauricio Pochettino 11 0 2 1 1 0
Bruno Saltor 1 0 0 0 0 0
Reece James at Chelsea by manager via Transfermarkt
If Maresca is kept as the long-term manager by the Blues, he should shoot up the list above.
James, who’s still the club captain at Chelsea, has been regularly discussed by Maresca this season. Even though he’s a been a right-back for the majority of his career so far, he’s been playing in central midfield in recent weeks.
James insists he will improve in midfield as he adjusts more and more to Maresca’s demands.