He needs to make an effort” – Maresca urges captain Reece James to take on greater leadership role
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has called for more assertive leadership from club captain Reece James following his return from injury. After recovering from hamstring surgery, the 24-year-old made his first Chelsea start since December 2023 in Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool. While Maresca acknowledged the defender’s effort to regain form, he is looking for James to develop a stronger on-field presence and lead the team with more “personality.”
“I had a conversation with Reece, and I made it clear that I expect more leadership from him in the changing room,” Maresca stated. “He’s progressing well, he’s doing what’s asked of him, but as captain, he has a responsibility to go beyond the ordinary. The armband doesn’t mean the manager will give you more – it’s a signal that you need to give more, consistently more, than anyone else. And his teammates expect it from him, just as I do.”
James, a product of Chelsea’s esteemed academy, rose through the ranks to become a first-team player and was appointed captain by Maresca’s predecessor, Mauricio Pochettino, before the 2023-24 season. Despite his talent and promise, injuries restricted the England international to just 11 appearances last season, and this recent match marked his first competitive game under Maresca’s tenure.
Maresca sees James as a key figure in developing a leadership culture within the squad. “He’s from our academy; he represents what Chelsea stands for. That’s part of why he has to show more in terms of personality. Right now, we’re lacking that natural leader. Reece is a quieter guy, reserved by nature, but as a captain, he needs to step outside his comfort zone. When a team doesn’t have a vocal leader, you have to create one. I believe Reece can grow into that role, but he’s not there yet. He has to make an effort, push himself further.”
Maresca’s message is clear: he believes James has the potential to become Chelsea’s leader, but he won’t reach that status without fully embracing his responsibilities and setting an example for others
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