Chelsea Captain James Isn't a 'Proper Leader' Yet, Says Maresca

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has expressed the need for captain Reece James to step up his leadership role as the team navigates a challenging season. Following a prolonged injury, James returned to Chelsea's lineup last weekend in a narrow 2-1 loss to Liverpool.

After sitting out Chelsea's UEFA Conference League victory over Panathinaikos on Thursday, James is expected to rejoin the squad for Sunday's Premier League match against Newcastle United. Maresca has emphasized his expectations for James to display a more assertive presence within the team.

“I spoke with him, and I expect from him more in terms of leadership inside the changing room,” Maresca told reporters. “He's on the way, he's doing well, he's progressing, but I expect more.”

The Italian manager underscored the responsibilities associated with being captain, challenging the notion that the armband lessens the need to lead actively. “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,” Maresca said.

Appointed as captain under former manager Mauricio Pochettino, James has seen limited time on the field, making only 12 appearances since receiving the armband. In his absence last season, former Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, now with Atletico Madrid, often assumed the role.

Maresca acknowledged James' quieter disposition but said the ongoing discussions with him about the leadership expectations have been constructive. “He's understanding that we're expecting more from him,” Maresca said, citing James' strong ties to the club as an academy graduate as an added motivation to grow in his leadership role.

“He's a reserved guy. But 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.”

Chelsea continues to aim for stability this season under Maresca's leadership as James seeks to adapt and respond to his captaincy responsibilities.