'What's the problem?' - Roy Keane backs Enzo Maresca over Reece James Chelsea 'hand grenade'

has backed Chelsea manager for his comments about captain , explaining that they might not be a direct criticism.

James returned to the Blues' starting line-up for last weekend's defeat at Liverpool, and he also on Sunday afternoon. It marked the end of an injury that had prevented his involvement throughout the 2024/25 campaign beforehand.

However, his manager welcomed the 24-year-old back this week, with .

"I spoke with him and I expected from him more in terms of leadership, inside the changing room and for different kind of things," the Italian said candidly. "So he's on the way, he's doing well.

"He's progressing but, from Reece, I expected more also in terms of leadership."

Some have seen that point to be harsh on a player who's been in and out of the squad on a regular basis, missing from the matchday squad, and alongside that team training. But Sky Sports pundit Keane - chatting as forthrightly at ever - has actually praised Maresca for the message he has sent to his captain.

"That's what he wants from him. He's obviously been injured, seen him in the training ground," said Keane.

"[He] came back last week. I have no problem with a manager saying that - he wants more from him.

"What's the problem with saying that? Maybe it's nice - every now and again - to upset even your own players.

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Adding more theories about why Maresca said what he did, Keane said: "Maybe he's not necessarily saying about what he's done in the game, but just around the place he wants a bit more from him, maybe with the way that he helps [other Chelsea] players.

"Or he's just trying to gee him up a bit. He knows what he wants, he wants him to stay fit and healthy, we know what a brilliant player he is, but maybe he just wants a bit more from him. Nothing wrong with that.

"I don't think there is anything wrong with the manager throwing a hand grenade into his own dressing room to upset a few and keep people on their toes, just a little bit."