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\n Chelsea captain Reece James accepts the 2025\/26 campaign has been disappointing for the Blues and insists there is \u2018lots to learn and improve\u2019 on next season under Xabi Alonso.
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A painful 2-1 defeat at Sunderland on the Premier League\u2019s final day resulted in Chelsea finishing 10th in the top flight and missing out on European football next term. <\/p>\n
James acknowledges that it is not good enough for a club with the Blues\u2019 talent and ambition, and knows there is much to work on heading into next season. <\/p>\n
‘We need to digest this season,’ said the 26-year-old. ‘It’s been far below our standards and we need to review and see where we can improve for next time.<\/p>\n
‘Just saying it [not qualifying for Europe] doesn’t sound right. We\u2019re a club that has won a number of European trophies and this season we haven\u2019t even qualified. So, we have lots to learn and improve.’ <\/p>\n
The Blues fell behind at Sunderland in the opening period, Trai Hume guiding a near-post volley beyond Robert Sanchez<\/a> in the 25th minute. <\/p>\n An unfortunate own goal from Malo Gusto<\/a> gave the Black Cats a two-goal advantage, but a venomous Cole Palmer<\/a> strike gave us hope of launching a come-back.<\/p>\n