Enzo Maresca reveals big Chelsea issue ahead of Newcastle United clash

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca admits his squad lacks a natural leader ahead of Sunday's Premier League showdown with Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge. The former Leicester manager has told skipper Reece James he expects more personality from his captain after his first appearance of the season last weekend

James featured in the 2-1 defeat to Liverpool last weekend following a lengthy injury lay-off and could start against Eddie Howe's side this weekend, as he did not travel with the Chelsea side that beat Panathinaikos in Athens on Thursday.

He was appointed captain by previous boss Mauricio Pochettino last August, but has seen his last two campaigns been blighted by knee and hamstring problems, but Maresca wants to see more from the 24-year-old.

"I spoke with him and I expect from him more in terms of leadership inside the changing room," said Maresca. "He's on the way, he's doing well, he's progressing but I expect more.

"Most of the time, a player thinks that because I am captain I expect that you give me more. No, for me because you are the captain you have to give more. You have to give more than the rest. Sometimes, I am the captain I can give less? No, no, no.

"I expect it from Reece and his team-mates expect it from him to give always more in terms of leadership. He's understanding that we're expecting more from him. He's our guy from the academy. It's one of the reasons why he has to show more in terms of personality.

"He's a reserved guy. But when you don't have a proper leader, you need to build that. I think we don't have a proper leader. We need to build them. Reece is one who is on the way but he's not there. He needs to make an effort.

"The one that is doing fantastic is Levi (Colwill). At the beginning he was not a leader but now you can see he's one of the guys that's always speaking. Marc Cucurella is one of the guys, but we need more and more. It's something that comes with age," said Maresca. "In two, three years some of them will be better at that. We have to help them understand the leadership side."

James was sent off in the game between the two sides at St James' Park which saw United run out 4-1 winners, although the Magpies' record at Stamford Bridge has seen them go without a win at Chelsea for 12 years.

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