“So critical” – This behind the scenes change is massive for Chelsea’s season | OneFootball

The London is Blue podcast have just been speaking about Reece James and his progress in the last 18 months, which have seen him put his injury woes behind him (touch wood).

They complimented the change of strategy from the club’s medical department to help our captain get over his issues.

Podcast praises James treatment

Reece James celebrates his assist. (Photo by Chris Lee/Chelsea FC)

“That Reece James change, it’s continuing the trend line of what we saw with Enzo Maresca, and how Maresca was given direction from the medical team about player availability,” presenter Dan Dormer said.

“This gives a lot of credibility to how involved the medical team and the managers are with this decision around how Reece has played, how frequently he has played. We’re seeing some of the very best football from him we’ve seen a very long time. And he is so critical to Chelsea’s success.”

Yeah, it’s worked well. But it’s not exactly rocket science is it. James can play one full game a week, and you just stick to that rule. If he’s needed as a sub in a second game that week, you take him off early in the other. Rather than try to push him, you just accept he’s not up to it.

Moving him into a less demanding role also seems to have helped – although we still hold out hope of seeing him fly down the right wing again one day, even if just for 60 minutes at a time.

You can see them discussing James’ fitness in the clip embedded here:

In other news…

Malo Gusto will have an important part to play under Liam Rosenior this season, and the full back spoke about the tactical role he’s expecting to have under the new man with the club’s official website.

Chelsea are still looking for a front of shirt sponsor, 4 years after the BlueCo takeover. The Athletic discussed that disaster here.