JAKARTA - Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said the club's dressing room lacked the right leader.
"He's been expecting more than Reece James this season, but in fact it hasn't happened yet."
James has just returned from a long hamstring injury to appear as his first starter of the season in defeat against Liverpool 1-2 last weekend.
The performance was James' first competitive appearance under coach Maresca.
Maresca feels that so far no one has been suitable for the position of captain.
"He was on his way, he did well, he made progress, but from Reece, I also expect more in terms of leadership."
"Often when others become captains, they think because they are captain, they hope you give more."
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"For me, because you're captain, you have to give more. You have to give more than others. Sometimes, they think when they captain, they can give less, no."
"He (James) is one of the captain. I hope from him. His teammates hope from him, to always give more in terms of leadership in general," Maresca told ESPN.
James has made 159 appearances for Chelsea since graduating from the club academy and made his senior debut in 2019.
He was appointed captain of the club under Chelsea's previous boss, Mauricio Pochettino, in August 2023.
"He (James) is a quiet person, but not just him. I don't think we have the right leader. We don't have those people."
"Maybe Tosin (Adarabioyo) is one of those people. So, the rest of us need to build them," said Maresca again.
Chelsea have started the season with four wins from eight Premier League games. They will face Newcastle United on Sunday, October 27, 2024.
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