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Football London
Football London
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Brandon Busbee

Chelsea press conference: Every word on New England Revolution, Reece James & the Europa League

Players asked about how this match was formed and what the player want to tell the folks in Boston?

Cesar Azpilicueta: "It's been a busy few weeks trying to get into the final of the Europa League and the last Premier League games to qualify for the Champions League.

"We are pleased to be in America, first time in Boston and a game we are all looking forward to playing because it's a big event to fight against anti-Semitism and all kinds of discrimination.

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Marcos Alonso: "We are focused on the final, but this is a good thing to do. Players have the power to be an example for society and it is good preparation for the Europa League final.

"It's a pleasure to be here to play against one of the bet teams in the MLS."

Question to former Chelsea midfielder Michael Mancienne: What's your experience on both sides dealing with these issues?

Michael Mancienne: "I haven't faced much discrimination much in my career, but I have witnessed it happen to other players.

"To have Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world stand up to this is important. We have a platform as professional athletes to take a stand against anti-Semitism and racism.

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"You've seen it in England with Raheem Sterling and it's something we need to kick out."

Are you excited to see the young players play?

Azpilicueta: "We are excited to see Reece [James] and Trevor [Chalobah] back from their loan spells and Connor [Gallagher] who was named player of the year in the academy, Marc [Guehi] was on the bench in the last Premier League game.

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"It's important for them to get experience traveling with us and even play in a game. We are approaching our most important game of the season in Baku, but we are focused on keeping the good feelings in the team and to stay fit since it's nearly two weeks until the final so we have to use it in the right way.

David Luiz of Chelsea walks out with Reece James (Harriet Lander/Getty Images)

"We are facing an opponent who is active in their league."

Mancienne: "It's a massive game. One of the biggest teams in the world are here and it's a great cause.

"There's no real pressure on the result so it's a chance to go out there and play freely while testing yourself against some of the best players in the world."

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