Reece James will continue in his role as captain under new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso; the right-back was made captain in August 2023; Alonso wants midfielder Enzo Fernandez to stay but confirmed transfer interest in Alejandro Garnacho; Nicolas Jackson will feature on their pre-season tour
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso discusses why Reece James will stay club captain under him and reveals he is looking forward to working with Enzo Fernandez.
Xabi Alonso says defender Reece James will remain Chelsea captain – and he wants Enzo Fernandez to stay at the club.
Chelsea began pre-season this week under new boss Alonso, who was appointed in May after leaving Real Madrid earlier this year, although he was working with a reduced squad as some players are still at the World Cup.
James, 26, was made club captain in August 2023, having started his career in the club’s academy. He has been riddled with muscle injuries during his time at Chelsea, although he made 39 appearances in all competitions last season before making England’s World Cup squad.
“He can do everything,” said Alonso of James in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports News.
“He can attack from inside or outside. He can deliver, he’s good at set-pieces, he has blue DNA, which is very important, and we transmit that to the whole team and new players. He’s going to be the captain.”
Argentina midfielder Fernandez signed for Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 for £106.8m, a British-record transfer at the time, and enjoyed his best season last term, scoring 10 Premier League goals and providing four assists in 36 appearances.
Fernandez has been linked with a move away from the club this summer, but Real Madrid publicly denied their interest in the 25-year-old and Alonso wants him to stay, having spoken privately to him.
“Enzo’s a great player and we are looking forward to having him and start working together,” said Alonso.
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