NEWS. . . BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Emmanuel Petit has suggested that Chelsea’s next manager update Reece James as club captain at Stamford Bridge.
The Chelsea academy graduate was named captain for the 2023-24 season, but then endured a frustrating campaign, with injuries limiting him to just 11 appearances in all competitions.
Petit says James has played “far from enough” for the past two seasons and believes it doesn’t make sense for him to captain due to his fitness issues.
As a result, France’s World Cup winner said Chelsea’s new manager is “considering” cutting James’ armband and giving it to Conor Gallagher.
Gallagher has made 39 appearances for Chelsea this season, managing the team in James’ absence.
Chelsea are still looking for a new manager after Mauricio Pochettino agreed to leave west London following talks with the club’s owners at the end of the season.
“We all know James is a wonderful player and we cross our hands to make him play as much as possible,” Petit, who spent three years at Chelsea, told BoyleSports, which offers the latest bets on Euro 2024.
“However, how much have you played in the last two years?This is enough.
“You can’t be captain when you miss most games. He reminds me of Abou Diaby at Arsenal, when you may never be able to count on him due to his unfortunate injuries.
“Conor Gallagher will be the captain of the club, that indeed wants to be taken into account by the new coach. Gallagher is a symbol in the box and he plays each and every game, so it has to be him.
James, who was left out of England’s provisional squad for Euro 2024 the previous week, apologised to Pochettino after leaving Chelsea.
“Thank you for everything, boss,” she posted on Instagram. We had a relationship from the moment we met.
“I’ve never played as much as I expected under your guidance, which I regret, but also everything I couldn’t control.
“You believed in me and gave me an enormous duty when many others doubted me. Thank you all and good luck for the future! »
Chelsea have been stuck in the middle of the table for much of the season but have won their last few games outright to finish sixth and qualify for Europe.
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna, Brentford manager Thomas Frank and Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca are said to be three of the most sensible contenders to be appointed to update Pochettino at Chelsea.
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