Reece James: Chelsea didn't 'prepare right' for second leg against Legia Warsaw

James accused the team of having "disrespected the competition" with their lack of preparation.

"We had a 3-0 lead, maybe that played a part in taking our foot off the gas," James said.

"We are making progress but that was not progress. If anything it was a step back.

"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. Fans come to see excitement, we were frustrating to watch."

Despite the loss at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea advanced 4–2 on aggregate, thanks to a commanding 3–0 victory in the first leg in Poland.

However, James' post-match comments highlighted the concern within the camp ahead of a challenging semi-final clash against Djurgarden.

The evening got off to a rocky start when goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, who retained his place from the first leg, conceded an early penalty with a rash challenge.

Tomas Pekhart converted for Legia in the 10th minute, giving the visitors brief hope of an improbable comeback.

Marc Cucurella, Chelsea's unlikely top scorer in 2025, brought the hosts level near the half-hour mark with a well-taken goal.

Still, the Blues looked off the pace, with attacking threats Cole Palmer and Nicholas Jackson extending their respective goal droughts to 15 and 12 matches.