28-05-2025
Reece James overheard by TNT Sports presenter rollocking Chelsea team-mates at half-time of Conference League final
REECE JAMES was overheard delivering a passionate half-time speech that inspired Chelsea's Conference League final comeback.
The Blues came from 1-0 down at the break to
3
Reece James rallied the Chelsea team at half-time before coming on
Credit: TNT SPORTS
3
James demanded a 'reaction' in the second-half
Credit: Getty
Captain
TNT Sports reporter Becky Ives claimed she could hear the right-back rallying the troops inside the changing room at half-time.
She told him: "I heard you in the dressing room really geeing up the team."
And it made all the difference as
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
Asked by Ives about his battle cry, James replied: "I thought in the first-half we were very flat.
"The game did not go our way early on and it looked like it took a lot out of us.
"We needed a reaction in the second-half and we got it."
On not being named in the starting XI, James said: "It's devastating to know you're not playing in the final or not starting.
Most read in Football
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS
"I want to play every game but it was the manager's decision and once he made the decision, I need to accept it and move on and be ready to come in if I'm needed."
Moment Chelsea & Real Betis fans CLASH in Poland launching bottles & smoke grenades hours before Europa Conference final
He explained: "I promise you, I will start always with Reece, but I'm trying to protect him.
"He plays more games this season than the last two or three. He knows that.
"But he is a top player for us, he is like
"When we change him he said, 'boss don't worry, we are going to win the game'."
3
Enzo Maresca said James did not start due to injury worries
Credit: Alamy
