Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca supports Reece James’ criticism of his team-mates, saying it is “absolutely” the sort of leadership he wants to see from the Blues captain.
James, 25, was critical of Chelsea’s “poor performance” in the 2-1 defeat by Legia Warsaw at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.
Though the Blues progressed to the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League 4-2 on aggregate, James said the side had shown “disrespect” to the competition with their display.
Asked if James showed his leadership qualities with his comments, Maresca said: “Absolutely, absolutely, yes. He’s in charge of that, he’s one of the captains.
“I think probably in part he was right in terms of, because of the first result, we tried to manage [the game] in the wrong way.
“Probably he’s right in what he said. He sort of takes us inside the changing room.”
Maresca criticised James’ lack of leadership skills earlier this season, saying he “expected more” from the England right-back in his role as captain.
“I complained a little bit with him in terms of leadership,” continued Maresca.
“But my target was just this one, to try to get more from him. And now he’s doing well also in terms of leadership.”
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exeter.one newsbite last confirmed 1 day ago by The BBC
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