'It is devastating' – Reece James admits he was hurt by Enzo Maresca's decision to drop him for Chelsea's Conference League final victory over Real Betis

Reece James admits he was 'devastated' by the news he would not be in Chelsea's starting XI for the Conference League final against Real Betis.

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Article continues below

Article continues below

• James benched for Conference League final
• Brought on at half-time as Chelsea fought back
• Was left gutted after being told of bench role

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Enzo Maresca named the Blues captain on the bench for the start of the clash in Poland but substituted him on for the second-half after a miserable performance from Malo Gusto at right-back.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  James' introduction coincided with Chelsea's second-half revival as Cole Palmer set up Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas Jackson to put them in the lead before Jadon Sancho and Moises Caicedo rounded off a 4-1 win.

• WHAT JAMES SAID

  James admitted he was gutted to be left out, but overcame the disappointment, telling : "Of course it is devastating to know you are not starting in a final. I want to play every game but it was the manager's decision. Once he made the decision, I had to move on and accept it and be ready when I was needed."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  After celebrating their trophy success, the Stamford Bridge club will soon start preparing for the Club World Cup, which kicks off in the middle of June.