Chelsea caretaker manager Calum McFarlane has singled out club captain Reece James for praise, applauding the defender’s leadership in the wake of Enzo Maresca’s departure as the Blues prepare for a daunting Premier League trip to face Manchester City.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s showdown at the Etihad Stadium, McFarlane revealed that James has played a crucial role in keeping the squad united and focused during what has been an unsettled period at Stamford Bridge.
“The players are focused and hungry,” McFarlane said. “We know how big the challenge is this weekend.”
He went on to highlight James’ influence behind the scenes, describing the England international as a key stabilising figure for both players and coaching staff.
“Reece has been outstanding. He’s shown real leadership and helped everyone stay prepared and ready for Sunday,” he added.
The upcoming fixture follows Maresca’s exit on New Year’s Day, a move reportedly linked to a breakdown in communication between the Italian coach and Chelsea’s hierarchy. His final match in charge ended in a 2–2 draw against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea now head into the clash with Pep Guardiola’s side looking to regain momentum, fully aware of the difficulty of taking points from Manchester City on their own turf.
Within the dressing room, the emotional impact of Maresca’s departure is still being felt. Winger Pedro Neto admitted the squad was deeply affected, describing the atmosphere as subdued following the announcement.
Neto explained that Maresca’s exit was particularly personal for him, as the former coach was instrumental in bringing him to the club in August 2024.
“Everyone was upset,” Neto said. “On a personal level, he was incredible to me. I can only say thank you. But this is football, and we have to move on, focus on the next game, and try to win as a team.”
As Chelsea navigate the immediate challenges, attention is already shifting toward a permanent managerial appointment. Liam Rosenior, who currently manages BlueCo-owned Strasbourg, is widely tipped as the leading candidate to succeed Maresca.
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