Mauricio Pochettino admits ‘most alarming decision’ ahead of West Ham vs Chelsea

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino says the decison to name Reece James as captain was because he considered the club’s present and ‘future’ of the club.

James who made bis professional debut in 2017 beat off competion from Thiago and a few others to land the club’s most prestigious leadership role after a month working with Mauricio Pochettino.

Many had though the experience of Thiago Silva and his continues importance to the team would have been enough but 51-year-old Argentine manager Pochettino thinks you don’t have to wear the captain’s armband to be a leader.

He told reporters ahead of the game against West Ham this weekend: “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.”

Thiago will be 39 next month but continues to stand-out as one of the best players in the team. He was one of the top performers against Liverpool despite being the only player above 30 to be playing for Mauricio Pochettino.

The Blues will hope that they can build on their impressive showing against Liverpool when they make the short trip to east London to play the Hammers later this evening.