Reece James makes honest admission as he lifts the lid on “super tough” captaincy role | OneFootball

Reece James has admitted he found being Chelsea captain “super tough” at first because of the pressure and the fact he wasn’t fit.

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James was named captain at the start of the 2023/2024 season by Mauricio Pochettino after Cesar Azpilicueta left the club.

The 26-year-old at that point was dealing with a hamstring injury that eventually required surgery and he missed the majority of the season.

Reece James on being Chelsea captain

James then picked up a couple more hamstring injuries in the 2024/2025, although they weren’t as serious as before.

The England international has now really grown into the leadership role and being a captain, but he admitted he found it very difficult at the beginning.

James has really developed into a leader during his time as captain. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

“I think for me, the easiest thing and probably where I’ve had the most growth in terms of leadership is when I’ve been fit,” he told the club’s in-house media in an exclusive interview on the Chelsea app.

“When I first got the role, I found it super tough, you know, a lot of pressure, and I wasn’t fit; I wasn’t playing.

“So to get the messages across to the team and help push everyone was tough.

“I was trying to find my feet, as well as push everyone else.

“I think the moment I started to play more regularly is when I’ve improved a lot and come on.”

Captain leading by example

At 26 the skipper is now one of the older members of the squad, and Robert Sanchez revealed James is always the first one out on the training pitch. 

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James returned to action against Hull City in the FA Cup having missed the previous three games, and will have a key role to play over the remainder of the season.

Chelsea face Burnley at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, before back to back away games against Arsenal and Aston Villa at the start of March, which they hope James will play a part in.

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