Reece James played a big role in Chelsea’s 4-1 win against Real Betis in the Conference League final on Wednesday night.
With Malo Gusto struggling in the first half, James was brought on at the break and helped Chelsea to get a real foothold on the game as he inverted into midfield.
After finding themselves 1-0 down at half-time, Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho and Moises Caicedo all scored to win Chelsea their ninth European trophy. Cole Palmer also impressed after setting up two of his side’s goals.
As for James, while the defender certainly played his part, he wanted to see others also take some credit.
Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images
Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images
Reece James urged Enzo Maresca to celebrate with Chelsea supporters
James clearly recognised the role that manager Enzo Maresca played in Chelsea’s Conference League success.
During Chelsea’s celebrations after the full-time whistle, the right-back was seen pushing Maresca towards the club’s supporters at the ground so he could have a moment with them.
Things have not always been rosy between Maresca and Chelsea fans this season. It was only last month when Stamford Bridge let the Italian know they were not happy with him during one game.
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After the Blues found themselves 2-0 down to Ipswich Town, Chelsea supporters gave Maresca some stick.
However, since then, the 45-year-old has guided the club to fourth place in the Premier League and won them the Conference League. You would suspect, then, that fans are much happier with him now.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Reece James gives very honest assessment of Chelsea’s performance against Real Betis
While Chelsea won convincingly in the end, Maresca would have been disappointed with their first-half performance.
James has since spoken about it, describing what he saw as “flat”. In a post-match interview with TNT Sports, he said: “It’s a great feeling. We knew the game was gonna be tough, but as the game went on we grew into it and thankfully scored four goals in the second half.
“I thought in the first half we were really flat. We needed a reaction in the second half and we got it. It was something we had to win, and next season we go again in the Champions League.”
The most important thing is Chelsea won, and they really made up for that poor first-half performance with an excellent display in the second 45 minutes. In the end, James and his teammates were probably deserved winners.