Chelsea captain Reece James has expressed absolute confidence in his team’s ability to achieve their dual objectives for the 2024/25 season following their Europa Conference League victory against Copenhagen.
The defender, who found the net in Chelsea’s hard-fought 2-1 win over the Danish side in the first leg of their round of 16 clash on Thursday, believes the Blues are poised to both lift the Conference League trophy and secure Champions League qualification through their Premier League position.
“We have another game in a few days against Leicester and now it’s the business end of the season,” James told Chelsea’s official website. “It’s time to kick on and keep the wins going. Building momentum is key. We have our goals of winning the Conference League and qualifying for the Champions League. I have zero doubts in achieving that. We look forward to our next few games.”
James’ confidence comes at a crucial juncture of the season, with Chelsea continuing to build momentum across multiple competitions. The captain’s return to fitness and form has coincided with an upturn in results that has seen the West London club steadily climb the Premier League table while progressing in Europe.
Manager Enzo Maresca has previously suggested that the team is ahead of schedule in terms of the club’s longer-term ambitions. Speaking to Sky Sports, the Italian coach revealed: “The club asked to play Champions League in two years. If we are able to bring this club after one year, it will be fantastic. In the next five to 10 years, Chelsea will be one of the teams, or the team, that is going to dominate English football.”
This ambitious outlook represents a significant statement of intent from Maresca, who took charge at Stamford Bridge last summer following a successful spell with Leicester City. The Italian tactician has been tasked with implementing a clear footballing philosophy while navigating the expectations that come with Chelsea’s substantial investment in the transfer market over recent windows.
The Europa Conference League presents a realistic opportunity for silverware in Maresca’s debut season. Thursday’s victory over Copenhagen, although narrow, puts Chelsea in a favorable position ahead of the return leg at Stamford Bridge, where they will be confident of completing the job and advancing to the quarter-finals.
On the domestic front, Chelsea face a crucial clash against Leicester City on Sunday, with three points essential to maintaining their push for a top-four finish. The Blues currently find themselves in a congested battle for Champions League qualification, with several clubs vying for positions behind the established frontrunners.
James’ optimism regarding Champions League qualification is particularly noteworthy given the competitive nature of this season’s Premier League. The England international’s leadership has been crucial during periods when Chelsea’s form has wavered, and his return from injury troubles has provided a significant boost to the squad’s defensive stability and attacking threat from right-back.
The defender’s goal against Copenhagen underlined his importance to the team’s tactical approach. James offers a unique combination of defensive solidity and attacking prowess, providing Maresca with additional tactical flexibility when he’s available for selection. His delivery from wide areas and understanding with attacking teammates adds another dimension to Chelsea’s offensive patterns.
For James personally, finishing the season strongly could have implications beyond club level. The defender will be eager to reestablish himself in the England setup after injury disruptions have limited his international appearances. Consistent performances for Chelsea would strengthen his case for inclusion in future England squads.
The club’s ownership, led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, will be encouraged by James’ bullish assessment of Chelsea’s prospects. Their substantial investment in the playing squad was made with the expectation of returning the club to Europe’s elite competition and competing for major honors.
Maresca’s comments about Chelsea potentially dominating English football within the next decade reflect the ambition that has characterized the club’s approach since the change of ownership. The Italian coach sees this season as laying the groundwork for future success, with Champions League qualification representing an important milestone in that journey.
As Chelsea prepare to welcome Leicester to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, they do so with growing confidence and momentum. James’ leadership and optimism embody the spirit that Maresca is working to instill throughout the squad – a belief that they can exceed expectations and accelerate the club’s return to the summit of English and European football.
The coming weeks will test the validity of James’ confidence as Chelsea pursue their twin objectives across domestic and European competition. For now, the captain’s unwavering belief provides a rallying cry for teammates and supporters alike as the business end of the season unfolds.
