After coming on as a half-time substitute in the UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis, Reece James helped Chelsea come back from a goal down to clinch the coveted title.
Second-half goals from Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho and Moises Caicedo helped Chelsea claim their ninth European title and become the first team to win every major European club title.
While a lot of credit goes to James and the other players for the win, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca must also be given his due share of plaudits.
In an attempt to do this, James was seen pushing Maresca to the fans while the team celebrated the title so that he could have a moment with them.
This is important, especially since things have not always been rosy between Maresca and Chelsea fans this season. It was only last month when Stamford Bridge let the Italian know they were not happy with him during one game.
Recently, after the Blues found themselves 2-0 down to Ipswich Town, Chelsea supporters gave Maresca some stick.
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However, since then, the 45-year-old has guided the club to fourth place in the Premier League and won them the Conference League. You would suspect, then, that fans are much happier with him now.
Reece James’ thoughts on the final against Real Betis
Chelsea’s performance in the final against Real Betis was a classic case of a game of two halves. While Betis dominated the first half and scored the opening goal of the game, Chelsea were not up to the mark.
However, the Blues mounted a strong and stunning comeback in the second half. Reece James echoed this sentiment as he reflected on the game in his post-match interview with TNT Sports.
“It’s a great feeling. We knew the game was gonna be tough, but as the game went on we grew into it and thankfully scored four goals in the second half.
“I thought in the first half we were really flat. We needed a reaction in the second half and we got it. It was something we had to win, and next season we go again in the Champions League.”
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