Reece James’ damning comments after Legia Warsaw defeat will be major concern to fans and Maresca | OneFootball

Reece James has suggested Chelsea “disrespected” the competition after their defeat to Legia Warsaw on Thursday night.

The Blues turned in another poor performance as they slumped to a 2-1 defeat in front of a sparse Stamford Bridge crowd.

Having had a 3-0 lead from the first leg Chelsea advanced to the semi finals where they will face Swedish side Djurgårdens, but this performance did nothing to allay the negative feeling around the club right now.

James suggests Chelsea disrespected the competition

Maresca surprisingly took the decision to field a really strong team with the likes of James, Marc Cucurella, Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson all starting.

However, this didn’t seem to make a difference and Chelsea found themselves a goal down early on after Filip Jorgensen gave away a penalty.

James once again played in midfield as he has done in recent weeks, but the captain was unable to inspire Chelsea as concern continues to build around the club.

James wasn’t able to inspire Chelsea to victory against Legia Warsaw. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

The 25-year-old spoke after the game and his comments will be a worry to supporters as he suggested the Blues didn’t prepare properly.

“Today that was for sure not progress; if anything, it was a step back. Maybe we disrespected the competition today, but this is football; if you don’t prepare right, you will pay.,” he told TNT Sports.

These are damning comments which don’t reflect well on the players or manager and perhaps offer an insight into what’s going on at the club right now.

James can only do so much as captain and former Blue Steve Sidwell questioned where the leaders were after the game.

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Joe Cole has also called for Chelsea to sign experience, and the second half of the season has laid bare the deficiencies in the squad.

James, who didn’t feature at all against Ipswich likely won’t start Sunday’s game against Fulham given how careful Maresca is being with his fitness, and the whole situation surrounding the England international feels a bit strange.