Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has come to the defense of his players following the recent suspensions of Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling, dismissing claims of indiscipline within the squad. Despite the Blues leading in yellow cards this season, Pochettino asserted that the team’s issues are more about game understanding than a lack of discipline.
The criticism surfaced after both Palmer and Sterling received their fifth bookings of the season during Chelsea’s 2-1 loss to Wolves. As a consequence, both players are set to miss the upcoming game against Crystal Palace due to an automatic one-game suspension. This added to Chelsea’s previous suspensions, with Reece James, Malo Gusto, and Conor Gallagher having faced similar repercussions earlier in the season.
Pochettino, however, defended his players, attributing their actions to the pressure associated with playing for a prestigious club like Chelsea. He emphasized the challenges faced by young and relatively inexperienced players when navigating the intense competition and stressed the natural tendency for frustration when things do not go as planned.
The Chelsea manager particularly highlighted Cole Palmer’s situation, noting that this is his first full season as a regular for the team. According to Pochettino, the players’ eagerness to win and their frustration in challenging situations contribute to occasional lapses in judgment. He clarified that these instances should be seen more as a learning curve for the players rather than a manifestation of a broader discipline problem.
In addressing the issue, Pochettino acknowledged the need for improvement in the team’s ability to read game situations. He suggested that the focus should be on enhancing the players’ understanding of various in-game scenarios to avoid unnecessary bookings. Despite the recent setbacks, Pochettino expressed confidence in the squad’s commitment and determination to improve.
As Chelsea faces Crystal Palace without Palmer and Sterling, Pochettino’s remarks suggest a measured approach to handling the challenges posed by a young and ambitious team. While emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes, he aims to guide the players toward a more astute game understanding, fostering growth and maturity within the squad.
