'My Goal Is To Stay On The Pitch'- Reece James Prays For Injury-Free Season
Chelsea captain Reece James says his main goal next season is to remain fit.
James made 26 Premier League appearances in the 2021/2022 season but has only featured a further 26 times in the two ensuing campaigns.
In his 10 Premier League appearances last term, James picked up two red cards, with his second in the penultimate game of the season resulting in a four-game ban which will see him miss the first three games of the 2024/2025 campaign.
James' prolonged unavailability has been due to injuries but with Chelsea under a new manager in the shape of Enzo Maresca, the England right back hopes this will be the start of better fortunes for him and the club.
"I have one goal – to stay on the pitch," James said on the eve of Chelsea's first friendly versus Wrexham on Thursday.
"I am one to push the boundaries and sometimes that has caused problems for myself and the team, but that is something I'm trying to get better at.
"I don't want to make mistakes and put my team at risk. I would like to think I'm in a good place now.
"I had a long off-season and I've got a long pre-season because I'm serving a four-game ban, but I'm in a good place.
"There are a lot of adjustments to make in the new system. Whenever a new manager comes in, there is a lot to take on board but we are excited and I can't wait to get started."
