Maresca sees Reece James as midfielder after Chelsea's 2-1 win over Copenhagen

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca has expressed his intent to transition captain Reece James into a midfield role after his impactful performance in the team's 2-1 victory over Copenhagen in the Europa Conference League. James, who scored shortly after halftime, helped secure a lead going into the second leg, despite a late goal from Gabriel Pereira that kept the Danish side in contention. Maresca emphasized the importance of keeping James fit, as he has struggled with injuries, having only made ten league appearances this season. The coach believes James's versatility allows him to excel in multiple positions, and he has been communicating this vision to the player since joining Chelsea. James himself acknowledged the team's progress but noted the disappointment of conceding late in the match, underscoring the need for focus in the upcoming fixtures, including a crucial Premier League game against Leicester City. Chelsea currently sits fifth in the league, with a tight race for Champions League qualification ahead.