Reece James hits back at Chelsea fan criticism of Enzo Maresca | OneFootball

Reece James insists Chelsea have "come on leaps and bounds" under Enzo Maresca this season despite recent criticism of the Italian from club supporters.

The Blues endured a difficult teething period under Maresca during pre-season after he was plucked from last season's Championship winners Leicester City to replace Mauricio Pochettino, but an impressive start to the Premier League campaign helped silence any doubters.

Chelsea briefly flirted with an early title race, but their underwhelming pre-season form returned at the turn of the year and they have struggled for positive performances and results ever since.

Such a dramatic nosedive has yielded criticism from sections of the Chelsea fanbase, who are yet to be convinced of progress under Maresca. The Blues are still in the hunt for the top five and Europa Conference League glory, but their recent showings leave much to be desired.

However, club captain James, who has recently returned to the team as a midfielder following another injury-strewn campaign, believes the west London giants are moving in the right direction under Maresca.

Reece James will be aiming to stay fit for the remainder of the season / JUSTIN TALLIS/GettyImages

"Our objective is to play Champions League football next year," James told Sky Sports ahead of crucial clashes in the Premier League against Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford. "I think there's still more to come from us, it's early days.

"We've learnt a lot this season and are still learning. We have come on leaps and bounds this year, fighting against the best teams in the league on a consistent basis.

"I think the balance of the team is key, to have different players for different roles. Everyone complements each other well and that helps with where we are so far. Hopefully our performances reflect how far we have come.

"The way the head coach is with the team, the way he wants us to play and how passionate he is makes it enjoyable. Our idea and focus stays the same no matter who we are playing against."

Fifth place could enough for Chelsea to secure their return to the Champions League. Coupling qualification to Europe's premier competition with winning the Conference League would ultimately mark an impressive debut season for Maresca.

James, who recently returned to the England set-up under former Blues boss Thomas Tuchel, will be aiming to stay fit for the remainder of the campaign to help Chelsea's push for success.