Reece James has defended Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, insisting that the team has “come on leaps and bounds” this season, despite recent criticism from some fans.
Chelsea faced a rocky start under Maresca after his appointment following his success with Leicester City in the Championship, replacing Mauricio Pochettino. However, a strong beginning to the Premier League campaign helped silence many of the early doubters.
Although Chelsea briefly appeared to be contenders for the title, their form faltered after the turn of the year, and they’ve struggled to deliver consistent performances and results since then. This sharp decline has led to criticism from sections of the fanbase, who are still not fully convinced by the progress under Maresca. Despite this, Chelsea remains in contention for a top-five finish and Europa Conference League glory, even if recent performances have been lacking.
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James, who has recently returned to the team in a midfield role after an injury-riddled season, believes the team is on the right track under Maresca’s guidance.
“Our objective is to play Champions League football next year,” James told Sky Sports ahead of crucial Premier League fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford. “I think there’s still more to come from us, it’s early days. We’ve learned a lot this season and are still learning. We have come on leaps and bounds this year, competing consistently against the best teams in the league.”
James emphasized the importance of team balance, noting that having different players for different roles has been key to their development. “Everyone complements each other well, and that helps with where we are so far. Hopefully, our performances will reflect how far we’ve come.”
James also praised Maresca’s leadership, stating, “The way the head coach is with the team, the way he wants us to play, and his passion make it enjoyable. Our focus remains the same, no matter who we’re playing against.”
Chelsea could secure a return to the Champions League with a fifth-place finish, and coupling that with a Conference League victory would make Maresca’s first season an impressive one. James, who has recently been recalled to the England squad under former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, will be aiming to stay fit for the remainder of the season and help Chelsea in their push for success.
