Chelsea take on Real Betis in the final of the UEFA Conference League on Wednesday with Reece James insisting he's back to full fitness
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Reece James of Chelsea speaks to the media during a press conference ahead of the UEFA Conference League Final
Reece James knows just how important the UEFA Conference League final is to Chelsea
(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
Reece James believes Chelsea can kick start a new era of success by completing a full set of European silverware. Chelsea captain James was part of the Champions League winning squad in 2021 and the club have won just about everything in the past 20 years from Premier League titles to FA Cups and European Super Cups.
But the Europa Conference League would be a new trophy even for Chelsea’s cabinet and they would also become the first club to win the lot. That might not be the biggest badge of honour because Real Madrid and Co would see it as a failure to be in the Conference League.
But if they get their hands on this trophy, then James believes it could lead to a new period of success for a new generation and a chance to repeat the glory days of the Roman Abramovich era.
James said: “It's been a few years since we've got our hands on silverware. So if you zoom out and take a further look, I would like to think that this would bring the winning trophy back to the club and help the players that haven't won so much in their career so far.
“For the Chelsea fans, I think it would be huge to win every trophy if possible. That's why we're going to do it for them tomorrow. We're going to work extra hard for them.
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“Of course it would mean a lot to myself and to the club and to a lot of the players that will be there for that trophy. A lot of the young players have played such a key part in this competition so far this season, so it would mean a lot.
“I think the message from the manager was clear from day one. You can't neglect any competition you're in and you need to give it your all.
“At the end of the day, it's a huge European competition. Look at the final we're in tomorrow against such a big team with so much history.
Reece James
Reece James is feeling the fittest he has over the past couple of seasons
James, 25, has had a rollercoaster season himself largely because of injuries. But the England defender says he actually feels the fittest in the last two or three years.
His leadership has also been called into question at times - not least by manager Enzo Maresca - but James believes he is growing into the role and lifting a trophy would clearly mean the world.
James said: “I've played the most this season in two or three years. I'm happy to be back on the pitch and helping the team as much as I can regularly. If I'm called upon tomorrow, I'll be ready.
“I think one thing to remember is captains and leaders are made, they're not born. I got given the role at such a young age, when I was going through a difficult period, I had a lot of injuries, I wasn't on the pitch so much.
Reece James of Chelsea adjusts his captain's armband
Reece James says there is no hard feelings towards centre forward Nicolas Jackson
“So it was definitely hard during my first season as captain. But I think I've grown so much in helping the team, the more I play."
James also says there is no hard feelings towards centre forward Nicolas Jackson - who could face Real Betis - even after his red card for an elbow at Newcastle and three game ban could have cost Chelsea a Champions League spot.
James added: “He obviously made a mistake. He's been so key for us this season. Since he arrived, he played a huge part in the way we play.”
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