Chelsea right back Reece James was named as the new permanent captain for this season and beyond, taking over from another right back, Cesar Azpilicueta, who had it before him.
Ben Chilwell was named as the vice-captain. The decision for both was made by new manager Mauricio Pochettino.
However, former Chelsea defender who also happened to be a right back, Glen Johnson, believes he knows why James was named as the new club captain, and he thinks it might be because of the interest coming in for James from Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Johnson thinks Chelsea might have done this in an attempt to make sure they keep hold of James. But even still, he still thinks James will be having his head turned by the interest coming in from the La Liga club.
In words picked up by Football365, Johnson said: “Maybe Chelsea made him captain because of Real Madrid’s interest in him,” Johnson told GGRecon.
“Any player’s going to be interested in joining Real Madrid and anybody who says they’re not are lying. I’m not necessarily saying that I believe Reece wants to leave the club, but I believe he would be interested in the move because the Galácticos wanting you is a very flattering thing.
“Reece obviously loves Chelsea and I believe it would be a very tough decision for him to leave. If the club wants to compete with the best teams in the world, then you can’t allow your best players to move to Real Madrid.”
I’m not sure that I agree with this one. I think Pochettino gave James the captaincy because he’s a top candidate for it and has earned the right to be considered, nothing to do with interest from other clubs.
