Enzo Maresca opens up on leadership at Chelsea, latest comments make interesting reading | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca has admitted Chelsea need a leader and are currently working on developing leaders within the squad.

Chelsea have one of the youngest squads in the Premier League and a lack of experience has cost the Blues on multiple occasions this season.

The Blues have seen a complete change in their transfer policy under the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital ownership, with the club now targeting the best young talent and seemingly overlooking proven quality and experience.

Maresca admits he needs a leader

Chelsea lost Thiago Silva last summer and didn’t replace what the Brazilian gave them both on and off the pitch, and are arguably paying the price for it.

Maresca called out Reece James earlier this season for a lack of leadership, but he’s been impressed by the 25-year-old’s improvement since, whilst Enzo Fernandez has also developed into a leader over the course of the season.

Maresca called James out about a lack of leadership earlier in the season. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

James gave a refreshingly honest interview after the defeat to Legia Warsaw and Maresca has now spoken about the need for a leader type character within the squad.

“For sure you need that, 100%,” he told his pre-match press conference.

“Now, if you don’t have, you need to build also a leadership. And this is the reason why I said at the beginning I was trying to complain a little bit about Reece, because I want more from him. And he’s doing more. So when you don’t have a leader, at least you have to try to build some leader.

“And in this moment, Reece is doing well. We have two, three more players that they are making the effort to help the rest.

More Stories / Latest News

Enzo Maresca opens up on leadership at Chelsea, latest comments make interesting reading

19th Apr 2025, 09:30am

“I think” – Enzo Maresca reveals why he feels Cole Palmer is struggling for form

19th Apr 2025, 09:00am

“I personally like him a lot” – Manager shares feelings on Chelsea loanee, reveals when future will be decided

19th Apr 2025, 08:30am

“But for sure, when you have a real leader, it’s much better to manage different problems during the season.”

Chelsea need to bring experience in this summer if they are to improve and get back to competing for the major trophies, and these younger players desperately need experienced heads to look up to and learn from in difficult moments.