Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has expressed his disappointment regarding the leadership shown by Reece James during his time on the sidelines due to injury. Maresca indicated that he had anticipated more from the club captain in terms of guiding the team while he was unable to play, highlighting a perceived lack of a "proper leader" in the dressing room. James made his return to action in Chelsea's recent 2-1 defeat against Liverpool, marking his first appearance of the season after a lengthy recovery from a hamstring injury. Upon his return, he not only stepped back into the starting lineup but also reclaimed the captain's armband from Enzo Fernández. Although James put in a solid performance at Anfield, it appears that Maresca felt he could have contributed more in a leadership capacity during his absence.