Enzo Maresca has very contrasting tactic to Erik ten Hag as Chelsea boss gets tough

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca’s latest comments on Reece James show that he is taking an entirely different approach to Erik ten Hag.The defender’s leadership skills were called into question on Friday, with Maresca urging him to be a better captain.

The Blues manager suggested that James was not vocal enough behind the scenes, saying: “I spoke with him and I expect from him more in terms of leadership inside the changing room. 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.”

Maresca’s approach is at odds with that of Ten Hag, who has consistently defended Bruno Fernandes in the face of criticism. The midfielder was widely panned for his slow start to the campaign but Ten Hag was quick to fire back at his doubters last month.

“I think he is capable and he has proven this so many years already in the Premier League that he can create many chances,” said the Manchester United boss. “I am convinced this season he will not do differently.”

Since those comments, Fernandes has failed to score in any competition and was sent off against Porto in the Europa League. He was also shown a red card against Tottenham but it was later overturned following a successful appeal.

The Portugal international has continued to underperform for the Red Devils in spite of Ten Hag’s refusal to criticise him. It suggests tough love might be the way to go for Maresca when it comes to extracting the best from James at Chelsea.

Maresca’s honest comments on the Blues skipper could give him the kick up the backside he needs to improve and justify his status as captain. Praise can be a good thing for players but in the case of Fernandes, it does not appear to be doing much in terms of helping him to improve.

It remains to be seen how James will respond to Maresca’s criticism on the pitch, having finally returned to fitness after a string of injury problems. He is expected to be involved when Chelsea welcome Newcastle to Stamford Bridge on Sunday.