BREAKING NEWS: “I expected more from him, if he continues to play like this then he will lose more of his playing time because we have so much talent on our hand that we can’t waste time on him hoping he will improve” – Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has openly criticized one of his players, stating, “I expected more from him.”

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has called on captain Reece James to show stronger leadership as he makes his return from injury. Maresca’s appeal comes at a crucial time, with Chelsea striving to establish a stable footing in both the Premier League and the Conference League. Though James, who recently made his first appearance of the season against Liverpool, is still not physically ready to play multiple games each week, Maresca is counting on him to take on a more pronounced leadership role.

Maresca openly discussed his recent conversations with James, expressing his high expectations for the captain. “I spoke to Reece and emphasized that I expect more from him as a leader—in the locker room and in other areas,” Maresca shared. While acknowledging James’s development, he stressed that the captaincy requires setting an example. “Captains sometimes believe the title alone will garner respect, but in my view, a captain must give the most effort. There’s no room for complacency.”

This assessment suggests Maresca sees James as still adapting to his captaincy role. Although James holds the title, Maresca wants more consistent displays of leadership from him and urges him to lead by example. He added, “Reece is one of our captains, and his teammates, like me, are looking to him for consistent leadership both on and off the field.”

Maresca also highlighted Chelsea’s need for more leaders within a young squad, suggesting that the lack of strong leadership could impact their performance across competitions. He stressed that leadership needs to be developed, not simply expected, as part of the club’s growth.

Despite urging James to step up, Maresca noted positive leadership growth in young defender Levi Colwill, commending him for stepping up and becoming a vocal presence in the team. “Levi wasn’t initially seen as a leader, but now he’s one of the team’s voices,” Maresca observed. This transformation is exactly what he hopes to foster within the squad.

Maresca contrasted James’s quieter style with Colwill’s emerging assertiveness, acknowledging that leadership takes various forms but urging James to push past his reserved nature for the team’s benefit. “Reece is improving,” Maresca said, “but there’s still work to do to elevate his leadership.” He emphasized that Chelsea’s success depends not only on talent but on building strong personalities on the field.

Maresca also sees potential leadership in players like Tosin Adarabioyo and Marc Cucurella, suggesting that experience and maturity will help Chelsea’s young squad evolve into resilient leaders. “It’s about developing both their technical abilities and their character on the pitch,” Maresca explained, aspiring for a Chelsea team filled with players who can shape the club’s identity and inspire others.

As Chelsea faces the demands of the season, Maresca’s focus on building leaders highlights the need for growth and resilience. James, as captain, is central to these goals, and Maresca’s remarks serve as both a challenge and encouragement for him to lead Chelsea with the strength the role requires.