Reece James Admits He's Still Got Rust to Scrape Off Before Chelsea's PL Kickoff
Reece James isn't hiding from the truth: he's back in Blue, but he's not fully out of the shop yet. The Chelsea captain has openly admitted there's still "rust" to shake off before the Premier League opener against Fulham — and frankly, the clock is ticking.
James got his first taste of competitive action in Saturday's pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad, a 3-1 statement win at Stamford Bridge. It was his first runout since returning from North America, where England's World Cup semifinal run pushed his break into overdrive. Just four weeks off, and the cobwebs are still clinging.
"The break's been pretty short so I felt pretty good out there," James said. "The conditions were tough, it was super hot, but I'm feeling good. It's still early, there was a bit of rust still to come off, but it was a good step."
He didn't sugarcoat the schedule either: "It was a short break, probably shorter than everyone would have liked, but I'm delighted to be back and the new season's going to be getting under way pretty soon."
New Faces, Same High Standards
The skipper wasn't alone in his return. New signing and England teammate Morgan Rogers also got the start, while World Cup finalist Enzo Fernández — who's been the subject of serious transfer interest from Manchester City — came on as a second-half sub. All three missed the club's preseason tour of Australia and Hong Kong, so this was their first chance to feel the Stamford Bridge buzz.
New boss Xabi Alonso has clearly been pleased with what he's seen from his captain in training. Last week he praised the impact of having James back around the squad, and James is taking that praise seriously.
"It means a lot coming from a manager and an ex-player of his calibre," James said. "Hopefully I can give my all for him and deliver when I'm needed most."
With the full squad finally together for the first time since Alonso took charge in July, the pieces are starting to click. Other new signings Maxence Lacroix and Marco Palestra also started against LaLiga's Real Sociedad, while Pep Chavarría got a second-half cameo. All of them made their Stamford Bridge debuts in that friendly.
James is already liking the vibe in the dressing room, despite the chaotic summer schedule.
"[The squad] have just come off the pre-season tour which was a lot of travelling, a lot of games, but from what I've seen everyone's settled in well and I'm delighted with the group," he said. "It's only been four or five days, it's been super short but I'm enjoying it very much so far and that's the same for the boys."
The real test comes Monday against Fulham. No more friendlies. No more excuses. The rust has to be off — because the Premier League doesn't wait for anyone.