Reece James admits he was 'devastated' by the news he would not be in Chelsea's starting XI for the Conference League final against Real Betis.
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James benched for Conference League finalBrought on at half-time as Chelsea fought backWas left gutted after being told of bench roleFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Enzo Maresca named the Blues captain on the bench for the start of the clash in Poland but substituted him on for the second-half after a miserable performance from Malo Gusto at right-back.
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James' introduction coincided with Chelsea's second-half revival as Cole Palmer set up Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas Jackson to put them in the lead before Jadon Sancho and Moises Caicedo rounded off a 4-1 win.
WHAT JAMES SAID
James admitted he was gutted to be left out, but overcame the disappointment, telling : "Of course it is devastating to know you are not starting in a final. I want to play every game but it was the manager's decision. Once he made the decision, I had to move on and accept it and be ready when I was needed."
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After celebrating their trophy success, the Stamford Bridge club will soon start preparing for the Club World Cup, which kicks off in the middle of June.