Reece James delivered a sincere evaluation on the latest setback at Chelsea after their woeful defeat to Legia Warsaw.
The Blues were booed off at Stamford Bridge after being beaten 2-1 in their UEFA Conference League quarter-final second leg clash.
Chelsea won 4-2 on aggregate to advance into the semi-finals, but that has been overshadowed by a dismal performance at home.
Fans disgruntlement has increased in recent weeks and it’s clear that club captain James is aware of their overwhelming feelings.
In a brutally honest interview with TNT Sports, he reflected on what was a forgettable night that saw Chelsea fall short of expectations.
Reporter – “Reece, you go through to the semi-finals but defeat on the night in a game you were expected to win comfortably, what is the feeling in the dressing room after that?”
James – “Probably what you expect, disappointment. As you said, it was a game we should have won and something we failed to do tonight.
“But as you mentioned, we qualified, we advance in the competition to the semi-final, but it was a poor performance from the team today.”
Reporter – “What do you put it down to?”
James – “It’s hard to put it down to one thing. We had a 3-0 lead, maybe that played a part in taking our foot off the gas, but we have no excuses.”
Reporter – “You reiterated how important it was to stay focussed right from the word go, how different were Legia tonight?
James – “I think the game was always going to be different. It was the second leg away from home, they have nothing to lose and they showed that tonight.
“They made it tough for us and we didn’t step up.”
Reporter – “We’ve heard the manager saying he’s seeing proof of progress in this team and what you’re doing, what are you seeing in games or are you seeing in training that gives you the belief that Chelsea can achieve their goals this season?:
James – “For sure, we are making progress. Today, that was for sure not progress, if anything a step back.
“Maybe we disrespected the competition today, but this is football for you and if you don’t prepare right, you’ll pay.”
Reporter – “How do you make sure that this doesn’t upset the mindset going forward then?”
James – “Of course it’s going to have an affect on the mindset going forward, it’s going to be in the back of people’s heads that we lost when we shouldn’t have lost.
“But we need to put it behind us, we have another game on Sunday that is a must-win game. So we can’t dwell on this too long, we need to regroup, stay strong and keep pushing for our goals.”
Reporter – “We heard a few boos again at the final whistle there, what would your message be to the fans?
James – “I understand the frustration, to be honest. I understand fans come to games to see excitement, to see goals.
“Today, we were frustrating to watch. I know we will remain focussed and we still stick together, and look forward to achieving what we want together.”
Chelsea fell behind within ten minutes after a Tomas Pekhart penalty before levelling through Marc Cucurella before half-time.
Steve Kapuadi won it for Legia at the start of the second half to give the travelling fans cause for celebration despite their exit.
Chelsea will meet Swedish side Djurgarden in the Conference League last four in their bid to reach next month’s final in Wroclaw, Poland.
They will remain favourites to lift the trophy this season but must show improved performances to simmer down the fan frustrations.
