Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has implored captain Reece James to assume a more prominent leadership role within the team. James, who recently returned from injury, has been urged to demonstrate greater influence both on and off the pitch.
Maresca emphasized the importance of James’ leadership qualities, stating, “I expect from him more in terms of leadership inside the changing room. He’s on the way, he’s doing well, he’s progressing, but I expect more.”
The Italian manager believes that James, as captain, has a responsibility to set an example and inspire his teammates. “For me, because you are the captain, you have to give more. You have to give more than the rest,” Maresca explained.
James’ leadership role has been limited due to his injury absence and the presence of Conor Gallagher as captain for much of last season. However, Maresca is seeking to develop leaders from within the squad and has had positive discussions with James about his expectations.
“He’s understanding that we’re expecting more from him,” Maresca said. “He’s our guy from the academy. It’s one of the reasons why he has to show more in terms of personality.”
Maresca acknowledged that James is a reserved individual but believes that he can develop the necessary leadership qualities. “When you don’t have a proper leader, you need to build that. I think we don’t have a proper leader. We need to build them. Reece is one who is on the way but he’s not there. He needs to make an effort.”
James is expected to feature against Newcastle in the Premier League on Sunday, and Maresca will be looking for him to demonstrate the leadership qualities he has been demanding.
