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The Chelsea captain affirmed that his team steps back into the continent's top competition with full confidence in their capability to battle with the top global sides.

Inexperienced Team Meets Early Test at Allianz Arena

Under Enzo Maresca, the refreshed squad will step onto the elite platform after a two-year absence. Their first test comes against the Bundesliga titans on Wednesday evening. But the captain isn't worried regarding their lack of know-how.

He highlighted their summer global triumph as evidence that Chelsea stand as real threats in the hunt for continental glory.

Past Lessons

"It’s still early," stated James. "There's no question in this club’s capacity to challenge against the best in Europe and the world. We will take it week by week and see where we stand at the end."

Chelsea's captain is well-acquainted with this level. He remembered a tough night versus the Germans back in 2020, when the Bundesliga side dominated over two legs during the knockout stage.

"You learn more from defeats," noted the England international. "I played against Bayern a few seasons back and it was a humbling experience. Those kinds of days help you improve and prepare me ahead of Wednesday's fixture."

Changing Squad

With Ben Chilwell’s move to Strasbourg, James is now the sole remaining member from Chelsea’s European Cup triumphant squad. "The club has undergone significant turnover," he admitted. "It's not necessarily a downside. In the past campaign we secured a spot for this competition and lifted a double. We've moved forward."

Surprise Loan

The captain admitted he was shocked at the loan involving the striker to their upcoming opponents. The forward can play against the Blues in the match.

"It was unexpected," James revealed. "It seems the player desired a change and management agreed. I’m not sure the full story, and he's a top professional."

Tactical Insights

The head coach admitted that the striker might offer Munich with some inside information. "It might be a small edge because Nicolas can describe our system, our preparation," commented Maresca. "Nicolas spent the past campaign with us, and is familiar with our style."

He rejected any suggestions of disagreements prior to his exit. "There was never any issue with the player, and remain on good terms," he insisted. "Nicolas is a good person, focused, and gave his best at the club."

Maresca also expressed hope that Cole Palmer will be fit to play shaking off a groin issue.