![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/chelsea-confirm-new-captain-as-mauricio-pochettino-explains-first-major-call/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/0_Soccer-English-Preview-Chelsea-23215393163930.jpg&description=Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has made a decision on the captain's armband after long-serving skipper Cesar Azpilicueta completed a summer move away from the club Reece James has been confirmed as Chelsea's new club captain, taking over from Cesar Azpilicueta. Former club captain Azpilicueta left Stamford Bridge over the summer after more than a decade in West London. James wore the armband during Chelsea's pre-season tour as manager Mauricio Pochettino waited to make an official decision, and the academy graduate now has it on a permanent basis. "This is a decision taken by me and the club," Pochettino said after making his first major call since taking over as manager this year. "We are very pleased Reece will captain the side this season. "He leads by example and his attitude and dedication to Chelsea has been clear throughout pre-season. He proudly wore the armband during our summer tour and will take up the challenge of leading our squad with his own approach and ideas." James, who has spent his entire career at Chelsea, is set to begin his role as club captain on Sunday. The Blues begin their Premier League campaign at home to Liverpool as they aim to improve on last season's 12th-place finish. "I'm so happy to take on the role and responsibility,' the England international sais. "I know I've got big shoes to fill because we have had huge captains here in the past, but I am excited. "I have been at Chelsea pretty much my whole life. I started here when I was six and to come through the Academy is tough. But to go on and become captain, it's a great feeling for me and my family"' The Premier League kick-off is on August 12. You can sign up for 18 months now for a cut price deal which will mean you'll see all the Premier League action throughout the 2023/2024 season as it unfolds. From £20 a month James made his debut for Chelsea at the start of the 2019-20 season, during Frank Lampard's first spell in the dugout. He is now closing in on 100 Premier League ap){kind=link}
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has made a decision on the captain’s armband after long-serving skipper Cesar Azpilicueta completed a summer move away from the club
Reece James has been confirmed as Chelsea’s new club captain, taking over from Cesar Azpilicueta.
Former club captain Azpilicueta left Stamford Bridge over the summer after more than a decade in West London. James wore the armband during Chelsea’s pre-season tour as manager Mauricio Pochettino waited to make an official decision, and the academy graduate now has it on a permanent basis.
“This is a decision taken by me and the club,” Pochettino said after making his first major call since taking over as manager this year. “We are very pleased Reece will captain the side this season.
“He leads by example and his attitude and dedication to Chelsea has been clear throughout pre-season. He proudly wore the armband during our summer tour and will take up the challenge of leading our squad with his own approach and ideas.”