August 13th 2023.
Mauricio Pochettino has put to rest any worries that Reece James was taken off against Liverpool due to an injury problem. He went on to explain why he chose James to be the new captain of the Chelsea team.
The newly appointed skipper was withdrawn in the 76th minute, but the Chelsea manager assured that it was merely a precaution and not due to an injury concern. When asked why James was taken off at his post-match press conference, Pochettino replied, “Because he was tired. The first thing that we were doing when we arrived is to assess and analyse all the players from the past and he was injured for three or four months. And pre-season is always tough – and it was tough for him. But of course we didn’t want to take any risks and that is why, around 80 minutes, we wanted to keep away a little bit the risk.”
The west Londoners opened their Premier League campaign with a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge. Luis Duiz prodded home Mohamed Salah’s excellent cross in the 18th minute, but Axel Disasi levelled the scores from close range and Ben Chilwell had his own effort chalked off. Even though Chelsea dominated the second half and enjoyed 66% possession, the highest any team has managed against Liverpool since Jurgen Klopp took over, neither side could find a winner. January signing Malo Gusto replaced James late on.
On why he picked him as the team’s captain, Pochettino said, “After nearly six weeks working I think we decided, with the club, to give the armband to him because I think he’s the perfect profile. He’s a fantastic player, he’s a fantastic boy. He loves Chelsea, he’s a leader, the team-mates respect him and everyone in the club respects him and the fans love him also. I think he’s a perfect player to be the captain.”
The manager also addressed the absence of Kepa Arrizabalaga from the match. It looks like the Spaniard is exploring a move away from Chelsea and Pochettino said, “The reason I explained to your colleagues before, he asked to explore different situations, different possibilities. That is why yesterday we were talking and I think for us the decision is to have all the players that are committed and thinking about being at Chelsea for the season and that is why he wasn’t in the squad. We’ll see [what happens], if we have something to inform we will inform.”
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