“I never played as much as I would have hoped under you, You didn’t believe in me and my ability, I was alwsys on the bench.”-‘I just hope we don’t sign or sell any players until we get a new manager in.’-Chelsea star has apologised to Mauricio Pochettino after his exit!
After bidding farewell to Chelsea, Reece James penned a heartfelt message to Mauricio Pochettino, extending words of encouragement and expressing regret for his absence during the season.
Following a triumphant season where Chelsea clinched the Premier League title five consecutive times, there was widespread anticipation for Pochettino to embark on a second stint with the club. However, a season-ending evaluation ultimately concluded Pochettino’s tenure, prompting Chelsea’s management to seek a new helmsman.
During his tenure under Pochettino, James encountered setbacks, missing six starts out of six due to a persistent hamstring injury that necessitated surgery in December. Despite his sidelined status, the Chelsea skipper conveyed his apologies to Pochettino for his limited contribution during the season, expressing gratitude on Instagram, saying, “Thank you for everything, boss.”
Reflecting on their bond, James acknowledged a mutual understanding with Pochettino, likening it to a seamless partnership. He admitted disappointment for not featuring as prominently as he had hoped under Pochettino’s guidance but appreciated the trust and responsibility bestowed upon him amidst doubts from others.
In his note, James extended gratitude to Pochettino’s supporting staff, including Jesus Perez, Toni Jimenez, Miguel D’Agostino, and Sebastiano Pochettino, recognizing their significant contributions behind the scenes.
Addressing the team’s performance, James highlighted the journey from a modest start to a respectable finish, acknowledging the club’s progress despite initial struggles. While aspirations of a higher standing than sixth place persist within the Chelsea ranks, the leap from a 13th to 12th position over the course of the campaign, reminiscent of the previous season’s trajectory, underscores a positive trajectory, as noted by Palmer.
The prospect of a return to European competitions is viewed optimistically, buoyed by the team’s unwavering support for the manager and their collective determination to succeed, indicative of an evolving team identity.
Before parting ways, Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic shared his admiration for Pochettino and the coaching staff, crediting them for instilling confidence in him and providing opportunities for growth in an interview with MailOnline.
