Chelsea defender ‘end’ nightmare season talks with ‘open conversation’ as Blues face Newcastle United

Chelsea defender Reece James is looking ahead to a fresh start under manager Mauricio Pochettino after a disappointing campaign last time out. The England defender suffered from injuries, missed the World Cup for England and just never got going under four different managers.

The arrival of Pochettino gives everyone a clean slate to start from and he admits one of the reasons that last season was tough for everyone was because a number of the players just did not want to be there.

He told reporters ahead of the game against Newcastle United: “Since the new staff and manager have come, the energy has changed. It has been a very good atmosphere, you can see that in our recent performances. It is definitely going to be a tough season, there is no easy one in the Premier League. It was very difficult last season, the toughest I have experienced.

“There was lots of change, some players didn’t want to be there. That was difficult. Now it is on to a new page and we are looking forward to the season.

“Last season we had a lot of bad results and bad results had an effect. It is not the best to be around. But this season there are a lot of fresh faces. It is a new start. That has had a big impact on the players so far, and everyone is excited and can’t wait to get started.”

Chelsea have shipped out almost 20 players including those who have been sent out on loan- academy graduate Mason Mount also pushed through a deal to join Manchester United while Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic joined Manchester City.

There are still expectations that the highest earner Romelu Lukaku will be sold while Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi are all angling for moves. The Blues will take on Premier League rivals Newcastle United at 1.15 am BST, Thursday, July 27, 2023. Their third pre-season game with just over three weeks to start the new season.

Reece James who missed the last two games will be slowly integrated while Trevoh Chalobah who had small Achilles issues is expected to feature having recovered.

Chelsea have looked bright as evidenced by their wins against Wrexham and Brighton and Hove Albion- albeit it was a Seagulls team without Moises Caicedo, captain Lewis Dunk and Pervis Estupinan.