Chelsea: Reece James concerned Legia loss will have lasting impact on squad | OneFootball

The Chelsea captain gave an emotional appeal to fans post-match

Chelsea captain Reece James has admitted that the Blues’ 1-2 loss to Legia Warsaw will haunt the squad as they continue their push for Champions League qualification.

In a season replete with underachievement, the Warsaw loss represents a new low. Chelsea came into the match sporting a three-goal lead, though Enzo Maresca named a stronger-than-expected squad, likely looking for a convincing, confidence-boosting win. Instead, the hosts fell to an embarassing loss on the night, progressing on aggregate but suffering a damning morale hit in the process.

James played the full 90 minutes and lost his marker at the corner where Legia scored their second of the night. Visibly dejected as he spoke post-match, he told TNT Sport the result would live long in the memory.

He said: “This is gonna have an effect on the mindset going forward. It will be in the back of our heads that we lost when we should not have lost.

“But we have another game on Sunday. We need to regroup, stay strong, and chase our goals.”

James thanked the supporters for their patience at full time

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Maresca concurred, saying Chelsea had underestimated their opponents’ quality after taking such a commanding lead from the first leg.

The Italian said: “Reece is right, but more than the competition, probably the opponent.

“We respect the competition all season but tonight, because of the first result, you can manage [the game] in the wrong way.”

As this season drags on, Chelsea have proved to be more susceptible to momentum than most teams. They were unstoppable in the first half of the season, but have struggled to arrest a poor run dating back to the festive fixtures.

They have not been helped by their support, who have lost patience with the team and, more specifically, Maresca. Chelsea were booed off after the Warsaw loss despite qualifying for the semi-final on aggregate.

James said he empathised with their frustration but committed to improving, with the final still well within reach. They will face Swedish side Djurgarden in the semi-final, and fans will hope the Warsaw defeat will mark a wake-up call ahead of that test.

He continued: “I understand the frustration, to be honest. I understand fans come to games to see excitement, see goals. Today we were frustrating to watch.

“We will remain focused, we still stick together, and look forward to achieving what we want to.”