Mauricio Pochettino has explained why he chose Reece James to captain Chelsea over Thiago Silva.
After long-serving captain Cesar Azpilicueta left the club in the summer, James was given the armband. Many expected Pochettino to select veteran defender Silva, but the Argentinian went with the younger alternative.
Pochettino remarked before Chelsea’s game against West Ham on Sunday: “For many different reasons, I am looking not only in the present but for the future. It was a good situation because Reece is ready to be captain. When the player is clever like Thiago, who is 38 and nearly 39. Do you think he is thinking about needing the armband? He is a captain as well, like Reece and Chilwell. You don’t need the armband on to feel like a captain. He is a captain also and will help Chilwell and Reece. He will be a great captain for the club.”
Despite the accolade showered upon James, it appears that the Chelsea captain will be absent for some time. He played just over an hour in the opening day match against Liverpool before suffering a hamstring injury. It’s the latest injury problem to hamper the 23-year-old’s career.
The euphoria of being named captain of his childhood club has swiftly faded, with James’ emphasis now shifting back to being match fit following another injury setback.
