“He needs to accept the punishment” - Pochettino offers opinion on Chelsea star Reece James after red card vs Brighton

Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has spoken about Reece James' red card in their recent 2-1 Premier League win over Brighton & Hove Albion. The Chelsea captain was sent off for what the referee deemed to be violent conduct.

In the game against Brighton, while lying on the ground, the English defender kicked out at Joao Pedro, who had fouled him moments before. On being asked if he has spoken to James, Pochettino replied (via Football London):

"It was a really difficult situation. We need to help him. He needs to accept the punishment. The most important thing is we back him and trust him."

Adding that the player needs to be ready for next season, Pochettino added:

"He needs to be ready for pre-season to build his fitness. Next season, he will be for sure one of the best players in the Premier League."

This was James' second red card of the season, meaning that he will be suspended for four games. He will miss Chelsea's final league game against Bournemouth at home and also be unavailable for the first three league games of the 2024-25 season.

Pochettino on if Chelsea's good run was a response to the loss against Arsenal

Chelsea were hammered 5-0 by Arsenal on April 23 at the Emirates. Since then, the Blues have won four games, and drawn one. Answering if Chelsea's good run came as a response to the hammering at the hands of the Gunners, Pochettino said (via Football London):

"It is not a coincidence. Before we played Arsenal, we played Man City but before we played Everton and beat them 6-0. There have been so many injuries and the team had no time to recover."

He further explained:

"After the disappointment at the weekend to lose in the FA Cup semi-final and then to play Tuesday, the team were tired both physically and mentally."

Chelsea won 2-1 against Brighton & Hove Albion in their last game on May 15 and will play Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on May 19 to end the season.