Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has encouraged captain Reece James to demonstrate more “leadership” as he seeks to galvanize his squad. The England right-back did not accompany the squad to their UEFA Conference League triumph over Panathinaikos on Thursday. James is scheduled to play against Newcastle in the Premier League on Sunday, and Maresca wants to see more personality from him.
“I spoke with him and I expect from him more in terms of leadership inside the changing room,” Maresca told reporters at the time. “He’s on his way, doing well, and making progress, but I’m expecting more.”Most of the time, a player believes that because I am the captain, you should give me more. No, for me, because you are the captain, you must provide more. You must contribute more than the others. When I am the captain, can I give less? No, no.
“I expect it from Reece and his team-mates expect it from him to give always more in terms of leadership.” Since being given the armband by Maresca’s predecessor, Mauricio Pochettino, James has only played 12 games for the club, limiting his role as captain to his off-field impact. Conor Gallagher, who has since been traded to Atletico Madrid, commanded the squad for the majority of the season.
It leaves the Italian looking for change within the dressing room in terms of producing leaders, however he claims discussions with James, who is considered to be a quieter member of the group, about what he expects from him have been constructive. “He’s understanding that we’re expecting more from him,” he told me.
“He’s the guy from the academy. This is one of the reasons he needs to display more personality. “He is a reserved guy. However, if you do not already have a proper leader, you must create one. I believe we do not have a proper leader. We have to build them. Reece is on his way, but he has not arrived. He needs.