REECE JAMES is “devastated” to see Marc Cucurella leave Chelsea for Real Madrid.
Real completed a whirlwind deal to sign star Cucurella for £48million last week, becoming one of the first buys of Jose Mourinho’s second spell at Los Blancos.
Reece James trains with England in Kansas City ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup clash with Ghana Credit: Getty
James puts in the work on the training pitch as he prepares for another start under Thomas Tuchel Credit: Getty
Blues captain James rates Cucurella among the best left-backs on the planet and is gutted to see his pal leave.
The star, 26, told talkSPORT: “I spoke with him a few days ago. He’s obviously an amazing player, one of the best left-backs in the world for sure.
“This is , players move every few months and I’m devastated to see him go but I wish him all the best.”
Cucurella’s sale means he will not be part of Xabi Alonso’s revolution at Stamford Bridge.
But James will surely be central to the former Liverpool man’s plans to revitalise the West London club, following a dismal Premier League campaign.
Speaking about ex-Real and Bayern star Alonso, who shone as Bayer Leverkusen chief but flopped in Madrid, James added: “We spoke a couple of times on the phone.
“I haven’t met him in person yet.
“Everyone I’ve spoken to about him say he’s an amazing manager. I know him more for his playing career. He had an amazing career and I’m excited to work with him.”
Alonso finished an amazing playing career, in which he won nigh-on every trophy going, nine years ago.
Asked what it is like for James given he knows Alonso more for his playing skills rather than managerial abilities, the right-back replied: “It’s strange, I had it when I was younger with .
“He was one of my idols growing up and then when he stepped in as a manager, it was a surreal moment.
“I’m delighted that is our manager and I’m excited.”
Versatile James is with England’s camp in Kansas City, having started for the Three Lions at right-back in their opening 4-2 win against in Dallas, before moving to central midfield in the second half.
James is set to start again at right-back against Ghana on Tuesday in Boston.
That will be the first match since team-mate joined the squad as a late call-up for the injured Tino Livramento.
It is not easy for centre-back Chalobah, 26, to go straight in having been on holiday – but James has backed his “machine” team-mate to manage the process well.
James and Cucurella have become an excellent full-back pairing, but won’t be playing together at club level next season Credit: EPA
James has enjoyed past success with Thomas Tuchel Credit: AP
James added: “It’s obviously difficult, he was probably mid summer. But the boy, he’s a machine. He was probably still training.
“Just like me, he was probably waiting for his first call-up (to a World Cup). It probably wasn’t the way he wanted it but he’s here and I’m happy he’s here with me.”
James played under three managers last season for Chelsea in Enzo Maresca, Liam Rosenior and interim chief Calum McFarlane.
He is onto his umpteenth boss at his boyhood club in Alonso, but is delighted to be working with for England.
James and Tuchel have a particularly strong relationship having won the together in 2021 when the German was in charge of the Blues.
The defender added: “I feel he trusts me. We worked together previously at Chelsea, we won trophies together. I love playing under him.
“Him as a person, him as a manager, I just connect really with him. I like his managerial side and his personal side as well.
“If you look across the board of top managers, there are some amazing managers who are solely football focused and then there are some who are very good man-managers and not so good managers! But for me he ticks both the boxes.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
