Chelsea defender Reece James says the constant talk around his injury problems is “so boring now” but the Blues are still working to upgrade their defensive depth this summer.
Reece James slams injury critics
James’ career has been plagued by injuries, which saw him suffer heartbreak when ruled out of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a disappointment that was compounded by also missing England’s run to the Euro 2024 final.
Another injury with Chelsea disrupted the second half of his season before returning for the final few games and earning a seat on the plane to North America.
James says the narrative about his injuries is wearing thin.
“People always talk about injuries and availability, and to me it’s so boring now.” James told BBC 5 Live.
“I have one job, which is to be the best I can when I’m on the pitch. To be honest, I understand the stigma at the start, but after a while it gets boring.
“I’ve been fit for a long time before my last injury, and I don’t listen to too much noise.
“I just focus on myself, my body, trying to perform the best I can and help the team I’m playing in.”
James is Thomas Tuchel’s first-choice right-back and he says he “connects really well” with the boss as the pair aim to win another major trophy together.
The 26-year-old played under Tuchel at Chelsea as the club won the Champions League and feels the trust of his manager.
“We worked together previously at Chelsea, we won trophies together, and I love playing under him,” he told talkSPORT. “Him as a person, him as a manager, it just connects really well with him. I like his managerial side and his personal side as well.
“If you look across the board of top managers, there’s some amazing managers that are solely football focused, and then there are some that are very good man-managers and not so good managers. But, for me, he ticks both the boxes.
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“I’ve been in a few dressing rooms when he’s come out with good speeches, at half-time, before the game, after the game.
“We all want the same thing, we’re all fighting for the same goal, and it comes from his passion and willingness to want to win.”
Chelsea are still planning to upgrade in defence this summer and provide more depth to support their skipper, and Fabrizio Romano shared an update on their efforts this week.
Chelsea transfer updates: Palestra, Ramon
The reporter confirmed on his social media accounts on Wednesday that Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra is set to move to Stamford Bridge this summer in a deal worth €55m (£47m)
A verbal agreement is ‘in place between all parties’ and the Blues have successfully hijacked Inter Milan’s interest in the 21 year-old.
They aren’t stopping there however, as Romano revealed in his latest Youtube video they also want to transform their centre-back ranks, with Jacobo Ramon just one of as many as five targets in that position, and news set to break on the other targets in the coming days.
“Jacobo Ramon, Spanish centre-back, appreciated, not the only name.
“Chelsea have four or five names on the list for the centre-back position, I will tell you more in the next days.”
Ramon, a former Real Madrid youngster, stands at 6 foot 5, and was superb for Cesc Fabregas’ FC Como last season as they sealed a spot in the Champions League.
He’s like prime Cole Palmer: Chelsea in talks to sign £100m England star
Another Cole Palmer could be on their way to join Chelsea this summer.
He started 30 times in Serie A, attributing much of his development to the former Chelsea midfielder, claiming their connection is ‘perfect’.
Whether or not he ultimately ends up at his manager’s old stomping ground may depend on the other targets set to emerge in the coming days.
Chelsea fans, what do you think of the club’s targets so far this summer? Let us know in the comments below!
