Reece James reveals secret to Tuchel’s stunning start

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:40 CDT
• 4 min read

Reece James has explained how Thomas Tuchel’s rotational policy has played a crucial role in the manager’s incredible start at Chelsea.

Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard as Blues boss at the end of January after a dismal first half to the 2020/21 season.

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Despite spending around €250 million last summer on the likes of Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Ben Chilwell, Hakim Ziyech and Edouard Mendy, Lampard’s Chelsea had fallen to ninth place in the Premier League.

However, Tuchel has been a revelation so far in west London. He is unbeaten in his 14 games, moving up to fourth place in the table. Chelsea are also in the quarter-finals of the Champions League and semi-finals of the FA Cup.

And James says that Tuchel’s decision to regularly rotate his players has been an important reason as to why they are doing so well.

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“When the competition’s always so high, there’s so many good players around you, I think sometimes rotation and competition helps bring the best out of myself and the other players,” James told Chelsea’s official website.

“It keeps you on your toes and pushes you every day in training as well, just to make sure that you are playing and you get the best out of yourself and the rest of the players.”

England right-back James also lavished praise on veteran defender Cesar Azpilicueta, who has shone since Tuchel switched to a three-man backline.

“He’s been at the club for a number of years and is a club legend,” the youngster said.

“Playing in front of him is great and knowing I’ve got him behind me is a very good feeling as well. I always feel safe and secure on the pitch.

“Ever since I came into the senior squad, right from the start, he’s always been supporting and helping and guiding me and he still does that now.”

 James has made 31 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea this season.