Reece James admits last season was 'frustrating' because 'some players didn't want to be at Chelsea' – with Mason Mount and Kai Havertz among the THIRTEEN stars to have left the Blues already this summer

Reece James admits last season was ‘frustrating’ because ‘some players didn’t want to be at Chelsea’ – with Mason Mount and Kai Havertz among the THIRTEEN stars to have left the Blues already this summer

• Reece James explained his frustration behind Chelsea’s problems last season
• The Blues full-back endured a difficult campaign hampered by injuries
• But explained the club’s problems were made worse by players wanting to leave 

Chelsea defender Reece James has questioned the commitment of former players at the club and insisted there were some who ‘didn’t want to be there’ last season.

The Blues endured their second-worst Premier League campaign as they finished 12th on just 44 points, losing 16 top-flight fixtures and ended the season 27 points adrift of the Champions League places.

A turbulent year saw Thomas Tuchel sacked and replaced by Graham Potter, only for the Englishman to have his long-term contract torn up following a difficult run of results and Frank Lampard returning on an interim basis until the end of the season.

Ex-Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has been appointed as the man to save Chelsea and is overseeing a clear-out of talent in a bid to reduce the club’s previously bloated squad.

James has kept his place at Stamford Bridge but quick exits have been sanctioned for regular first-teamers Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Mason Mount (Manchester United), Mateo Kovacic (Man City), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal), Edouard Mendy (Al-Ahli), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (AC Milan), N’Golo Kante (Al-Ittihad), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Marseille) and Cesar Azpilicueta (Atletico Madrid).

Chelsea defender Reece James (left) has explained some players didn’t want to be at the club last season

Long-term Chelsea servant Mason Mount called time on his Blues career as he left to join Manchester United

Kai Havertz angled a quick summer exit from Chelsea as he agreed to join rivals Arsenal

The outspoken Chelsea full-back explained that it was the ‘toughest’ he has ever experienced but pointed some of the reasons behind the club’s struggles at now-departed players.

‘Last season was probably the toughest I have experienced,’ James explained on Chelsea’s pre-season tour of America.

‘I feel we are moving in the right direction, it was very difficult last season because there was lots of change, some players probably didn’t want to be there because they weren’t playing so it was difficult. 

‘Now we are onto a new page and are looking forward to this season.

‘Since the new staff and manager has come in the energy has changed and it’s been a very good atmosphere. I think you can see that in our recent performances,’ he added.

James didn’t name specific players to blame for Chelsea’s ‘frustrations’ but some high-profile departures could be at the forefront of his mind after quick exits were negotiated with interested clubs.

Havertz endured a difficult season where he was unsuccessfully moulded into Chelsea’s striker for the season despite best being played in midfield.

He was the first big name to leave with rivals Arsenal striking a £65m deal for the German and his bags were packed for the Emirates.

Midfielder Mateo Kovacic (left) departed to join Manchester City while Christian Pulisic (right) 

Both Kalidou Koulibaly (left) and Edouard Mendy (right) have departed Chelsea in moves to the Saudi Pro League

Similarly, Mason Mount had been a dedicated servant to Chelsea after rising through the club’s academy ranks before becoming a regular in the first-team and winning the Champions League with the club. 

However, the Englishman was disappointed with contract negotiations over a new deal and eventually rejected renewed terms to pursue a move to Manchester United.

Kovacic was the next midfielder to leave with Manchester City wrapping up a deal for him to replace their departed captain Ilkay Gundogan who chose to join Barcelona at the end of his contract.

Defensive midfielder N’Golo Kante secured a summer move to Al-Ittihad as his Chelsea career was brought to its end

Disgruntled striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was permitted to leave after a nightmare season

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang lasted just one season after joining under Tuchel before being shunted to the bench and booted out of Chelsea’s Champions League squad.

The disgruntled striker started just five Premier League games and scored one goal before quickly leaving to sign for French side Marseille.

James himself sustained a difficult personal season hampered by injury that also saw him miss the World Cup with England and explained that he is working hard to be fit for the new season.

‘I wish I could look into the future, I don’t know if they [injuries] are over but I am trying my best to stay on the field, working hard with the managers, staff, physios and trying to make sure I am ready for every game.’

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