Maresca joined Chelsea earlier this summer after a brilliant season with Leicester in which he led the team to automatic promotion back to the Premier League with 31 wins from 46 games.
The Italian, who famously worked under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City before joining the Foxes, discussed how a Premier League club made a late swoop for him before he completed a move to Stamford Bridge.
But one man who is delighted that Maresca committed to the job in west London is James, who says that exciting times are ahead for the Blues on their new head coach.
Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT, James said: “He has been amazing from the moment he came in.
“His ideas, and what he wants to do are very clear. It’s just about time now and executing so we can be the best, which is what he wants.”
Since the start of pre-season under Maresca, Chelsea’s results have been mixed to say the least.
A 2-2 draw with Wrexham was followed by a 4-1 defeat to Celtic – however a 3-0 win over Club America was a marked improvement but James says the focus right now is on performances rather than the results.
“The pre-season so far has been great,” James said.
“Each game we are building up minutes. Yesterday we had a good result [against Club America] and hopefully we can keep on building on it.
“Results in pre-season are not a true reflection on anything really.
“We are taking a big step in the right direction as far as the process we want to be in place come the start of the season. I think that’s the main focus rather than the results.”
He added: “I feel really strong. The strongest I’ve felt for a while, so hopefully I can keep it going.”
James has even been playing a slightly different role under Maresca, taking on the position of an inverted right-back – a role that sees him drifting into central areas, rather than overlapping in a wide position.
Discussing the change, James said: “It’s good. I try and help the team as much as possible wherever I play.
“Even if I am playing in goal I’ll try and help the team. I am enjoying being back playing again.
“When I played right back before I kind of just got up and down. Now it’s a bit different. Sometimes I am kind of in the middle and I’m not forward as much. It’s a different role, but it’s a good role.
“I feel like the role can change quite a bit. I don’t think it’s going to be one set role which I think is good as well. It will change depending on opponents and stuff.”
Chelsea get their season up and running with a tough home clash against Premier League champions Man City on Sunday, August 18.
