FCBinside.de
·17 September 2025
"They destroyed us": Chelsea star full of respect for Bayern

In partnership with
Yahoo sportsFCBinside.de
·17 September 2025
As the reigning Club World Champion, FC Chelsea travels to Munich with confidence. The Londoners have also had a good start to the new Premier League season. Nevertheless, the Blues have great respect for the German record champion, as captain Reece James made clear before the game.
Before the Champions League opener in Munich, Chelsea player Reece James recalled a defining duel with FC Bayern. Additionally, the captain spoke about the special challenge of facing former teammate Nicolas Jackson.
“I played against this team [Bayern] in 2020, and they absolutely destroyed us. We learn a lot on such days. Such nights help me prepare for tomorrow’s game,” said James at the matchday press conference before the clash at the Allianz Arena.
The right-back referred to the round of 16 duel at the CL tournament in Lisbon. The Munich team won back then with two clear victories (3:1 and 4:0) and secured their sixth triumph in the Champions League shortly thereafter. This was also the last meeting of the two clubs in the Champions League.
With three victories, FCB leads the head-to-head against the Londoners. Bitter from Bayern’s perspective: The Munich team lost the “Finale dahoam” in 2012 at their home Allianz Arena against Chelsea.
Photo: IMAGO
Special attention is given by James to the duel with Nicolas Jackson. The Senegalese player moved on loan from Chelsea to Munich this summer and could now play a role against his former club.
“I know Nicolas very well. He is a fantastic player. Playing against him will be tough, but on the other hand, it will help me because I know his playing style quite well,” explained James.
For the Blues captain, it is clear: The away game against the German record champion will be a test of strength – but also an opportunity to learn from past experiences and personal duels.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.