Enzo Maresca has admitted he expected greater leadership from Chelsea captain Reece James, acknowledging that the Blues’ squad lacks a natural leader.
James made his season debut in last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool following a prolonged injury absence, but did not travel with the squad for Thursday’s victory over Panathinaikos in Athens.
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Recurring knee and hamstring issues have disrupted the 24-year-old’s past two seasons, yet former boss Mauricio Pochettino still appointed him captain in August.
What Maresca said on Reece James’ leadership qualities
“I spoke with him and I expect from him more in terms of leadership inside the changing room,” Chelsea head coach Maresca remarked, as quoted by Football365.
“He’s on the way, he’s doing well, he’s progressing but I expect more.
“Most of the time, a player thinks that because I am captain I expect that you give me more. No, for me because you are the captain you have to give more. You have to give more than the rest. Sometimes, I am the captain I can give less? No, no, no.
“I expect it from Reece and his team-mates expect it from him to give always more in terms of leadership.”
Since taking on the captaincy, the England international has featured just 12 times, meaning his contributions as captain have primarily been felt off the field.
