'Some players' didn't want to be at Chelsea last term, reveals James

Alba Romero 9 months ago 2.9k |

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James takes a dig at his former Chelsea teammates. AFP

Reece James spoke about last season at Chelsea in an interview and said it was one of the "toughest" for him because several players in the squad wanted to leave Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea had a season to forget in 2023. The Blues finished in 12th place without qualifying for any European competition despite the financial efforts they made in the January transfer window.

Reece James, who has spent most of his career playing for Chelsea, only played 24 competitive matches in the 2022/23 season. The English defender is one of the few players who still has a place in Mauricio Pochettino's squad.

The Stamford Bridge outfit have so far got rid of ten players - Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Mason Mount (Manchester United), Mateo Kovacic (Man City), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Kalidou Koulibaly (Al Hilal), Edouard Mendy (Al Ahli), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (AC Milan), N'Golo Kante (Al Ittihad), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Marseille) and Cesar Azpilicueta (Atletico Madrid).

James spoke at Chelsea's pre-season tour press conference in America and 'criticised' the players who have left. "Last season was probably the toughest I have experienced," he began.

"I feel we are moving in the right direction, it was very difficult last season because there was lots of change, some players probably didn't want to be there because they weren't playing so it was difficult," he added.

"Since the new staff and manager has come in the energy has changed and it's been a very good atmosphere. I think you can see that in our recent performances."