Europe's most exciting title race - starring Scott McTominay!

The new Toni Kroos! Who is Liverpool-linked Angelo Stiller?

Kiwior's hard work undone to leave Liverpool on the brink

The best Didier Drogba interview you'll ever read

How do Chelsea properly challenge Barca for the UWCL?

Editors' Picks

WATCH: Son's priceless reaction as he's asked if he's better than Salah

How to buy Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona Copa del Rey tickets

Scotland World Cup 2026 qualifying: Group, fixtures & results 

Santos Laguna vs Monterrey: Stream, TV & where to watch

Where to watch Ronaldo's Al-Nassr games: Stream & TV info

How to buy Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad Copa del Rey tickets

Where to watch & stream live MLS games

Man Utd live stream and TV channel broadcast info

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Maresca aims veiled dig at James</li><li>Claims he wants more from skipper</li><li>Frustrated at lack of leadership</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'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

Premier League

Chelsea

Everton

<p>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 <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/enzo-maresca-pushing-luck-warring-chelsea-fans-struggling-blues-back-on-track-face-consequences/blt03b690a3c2512aa0" target="_blank">the issues that have seen their Premier League campaign tank</a>.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>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."</p>

WHAT MARESCA SAID

<p><a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/chelsea-enzo-maresca-blunt-dig-captain-reece-james-admission-lack-proper-leader/blt3bb245ed8a987018" target="_blank">Maresca claimed he "expected more" from James earlier this season</a>, 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. </p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

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

WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

'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 | Goal.com

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

&apos;You don&apos;t have a leader&apos; - Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca aims veiled dig at captain Reece James again as he bemoans lack of dressing room commanders

Next Match