Mauricio Pochettino will likely be snubbing a John Terry suggestion if he makes Reece James Chelsea’s new captain this summer. The armband is up for grabs at Stamford Bridge after Cesar Azpilicueta’s departure, and James’ father has outlined his ambition to take on the mantle.
Real Madrid have been credited with an interest in the Chelsea right-back, who signed a new contract in 2022 but has seen close friends leave the club this summer.
Reece’s dad Nigel spoke on The Beautiful Game Podcast, however, to make it clear his son would love to stay at Chelsea and become the new captain.
He said: “Reece is a top player, so I’m sure most clubs would want to sign him, but right now, I don’t see anything changing.
“He is a Chelsea player, and until Chelsea want to sell him, it’s like anything. If a club do not want to work with you anymore and, for some reason, they want to get rid of you, then you go.
“He’s been there since six years of age. His ambition is to wear the armband and captain the side.”
And Blues legend John Terry has weighed in on the captaincy debate on Twitter, claiming Pochettino’s captain needs to play week in, week out.
He explained: “The captain 100 per cent has to play every week. If you’re not playing and performing every week, it’s difficult to demand from others if you’re not doing it yourself.”
James made just 14 Premier League starts last season due to injury issues, which could contribute to the captaincy decision.
But that factor could also rule out Thiago Silva, who, at 38, can’t expect to be a mainstay across the entire season.
Pochettino may be going against Terry’s views by opting for either, but there can be no doubting both have emerged as leading candidates for a reason.
And former Chelsea star Jason Cundy believes James is the standout option to replace Azpilicueta as skipper.
“If you’re going to give the permanent captaincy to anyone, Reece feels like the obvious choice.” Cundy told talkSPORT.
But he admitted that James’ recent injury woes that hampered his 2022/23 season were a concern. It remains to be seen if Pochettino agrees.
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