Enzo Maresca Urges Reece James to Lead Chelsea with Stronger On-Field Presence Against Newcastle

| By Adejumo Adekunle –

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has called on captain Reece James to step up his leadership role as the team prepares for Sunday’s Premier League match against Newcastle. James, returning from a lengthy injury, made his season debut in Chelsea’s 2-1 loss to Liverpool last weekend but missed the UEFA Conference League trip to Panathinaikos.

Maresca expressed his desire for James to display more authority in the dressing room, emphasizing the added responsibility that comes with wearing the captain’s armband. “I told him I expect more in terms of leadership,” Maresca said. “Being captain means giving more, not less.”

Since being named captain by former manager Mauricio Pochettino, James has had limited playtime, making only 12 appearances due to injuries. With Conor Gallagher—last season’s frequent stand-in captain—now at Atletico Madrid, James is being urged to become a stronger influence both on and off the field.