'You don't have a leader' – Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca aims veiled dig at captain Reece James again as he bemoans lack of dressing room commanders

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca claims he wants more from captain Reece James and that a lack of leadership has hindered Chelsea this season.

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• Maresca aims veiled dig at James
• Claims he wants more from skipper
• Frustrated at lack of leadership

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  James was named club captain by Mauricio Pochettino in 2023 and was retained by Maresca, but the Blues boss claims there has not been enough vocal communication from players to navigate the issues that have seen their Premier League campaign tank.

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  WHAT MARESCA SAID

  Maresca said in a press conference: "You need leaders, 100 per cent. If you don't have them you need to build a leadership. This is why I was trying to complain a little bit about Reece, because I want more from him. And he's doing more. Reece is doing well. We have two or three more players that are making the effort to help the rest. But for sure, when you have a real leader, it's much better to manage different problems during the season."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Maresca claimed he "expected more" from James earlier this season, during a campaign in which Chelsea have fallen away. They looked to be in title contention until December, but have won just five of their last 16 league matches and now face a fight to qualify for Europe.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  Chelsea are next in action against Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday before they host Everton next Saturday.