Chelsea Coach Enzo Maresca Says He Expects Leadership From His Captain Reece James

Chelsea’s Italian head coach Enzo Maresca has said that he expects and is demanding more from his captain, Reece James. The England fullback was named captain of the team last season.

However, he has spent more of his captaincy on the sidelines with hamstring injuries hampering his career. He recently returned to the fold and has played a few minutes.

According to Maresca, he spoke to the 25-year-old and told him what he expected from him. The former Leicester City manager said that he’s glad James is responding and progressing well.

“I spoke with him and I expect from him more in terms of leadership, inside the changing room, and for different kinds of things. He is doing well, he is progressing, but from Reece I expect more also in terms of leadership.”

The Italian manager also praised some of his players such as Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo and Enzo Fernandez. He said these are good leaders on and off the pitch.

The Blues have had a mixed start to the 2024-25 campaign. They are currently in the 7th position having won four games lost and drawn 2 apiece. They will face off with Newcastle tomorrow in the Premier League.

Maresca will be hoping that his team continues the fine form they showed while thrashing Panathinaikos 4-1 in the Europa Conference League.

Meanwhile, Reece James is deputized by Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo in the team’s captaincy pecking order.