'It's going to affect the mindset' - Reece James makes worrying admission

Chelsea captain Reece James has made a worrying admission after their embarrassing loss to Legia Warsaw in the Conference League quarter-final second leg at Stamford Bridge.

James makes worrying Chelsea admission after the Blues succumbed to a humiliating 2-1 defeat at home to Poland 5th-placed side 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.

The England international revealed how disappointed he felt for himself and teammates after such an embarrassing show on the night after cruising comfortably against the same side, winning 3-0 in the first-leg encounter.

Reece James thinks losing 2-1 against Legia Warsaw in the Conference League could affect their mindset (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Chelsea won 4-2 on aggregate to advance into the semi-finals, but that was overshadowed by a poor performance at home.

Chelsea fans’ disgruntlement over the team’s performance has increased in recent weeks, and it’s clear that club captain James is aware of their overwhelming feelings.

In an honest interview with TNT Sports, the 25-year-old reflected on what was a forgettable night that saw Chelsea fall short of expectations.

“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.

“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.

“Maybe we disrespected the competition. If you don’t prepare right, you will pay.

“It’s going to affect the mindset.

It’s going to be in the back of people’s heads. I understand the frustration. we were frustrating to watch.

“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.

“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.

“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 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 tone down the fan frustrations after that poor Thursday night showing.