Ahead of Sunday’s Premier League matchup with Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca acknowledges that his team lacks a natural leader. Following his season debut last weekend, the former Leicester manager informed captain Reece James that he expected more personality from his captain.
James, who did not travel with Chelsea’s team that defeated Panathinaikos in Athens on Thursday, might start against Eddie Howe’s team this weekend after playing in last Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Liverpool after a protracted injury layoff.
Maresca wants to see more from the 24-year-old, named captain by former manager Mauricio Pochettino in August of last year. However, he has struggled with knee and hamstring issues during his last two campaigns.
“I spoke with him and I expect from him more in terms of leadership inside the changing room,” Maresca stated. “He’s progressing, doing well, and on the road, but I’m hoping for more.
“Most of the time, a player assumes that they should receive more since they are captain. No, you need to do more for me because you are the captain. It would help if you contributed more than the others. I can sometimes give less because I am the captain. No, no, no.
“I expect Reece to provide consistently greater leadership, and his teammates do the same. He is realizing that we have higher expectations of him. He’s the academy man we have. It’s one of the reasons he needs to display his individuality more.
“He is a quiet man. However, you must develop that when you lack a suitable leader. I believe that we lack a suitable leader. We must construct them. One person who is on his way but not yet there is Reece. He must put up some effort.
“Levi (Colwill) is the one performing exceptionally well. He wasn’t a leader at first, but as you can see, he’s now one of the men who speaks constantly. We need more and more, but Marc Cucurella is one of the men. “It’s a natural part of growing older,” Maresca added. “Some of them will be more adept at that in two or three years. We must assist them in comprehending the leadership aspect.
In the match between the two teams at St. James’ Park, which United won 4-1, James was sent off. However, due to the Magpies’ record at Stamford Bridge, they haven’t defeated Chelsea in 12 years.