How does Alex explain his leadership to the others? How do you think they feel about this?

When Alex hits Dim, an argument erupts within the gang as to whether or not Alex had the right to. Alex explains that since he has been leading them up until this point, he should continue to do so. He states that even though they are friends, someone needs to be the leader. Judging by the reaction of the others, they had not really considered Alex to be the leader until now, and they probably resent him for it.