'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

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 the issues that have seen their Premier League campaign tank.

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."

Maresca claimed he "expected more" from James earlier this season, 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.

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