During the weekend game against Newcastle, Reece James received a red card, compounding Chelsea’s struggles as they were defeated 4-0, further contributing to their challenging start this season.
His sending-off encapsulated the team’s poor performance.
James, previously cautioned for time wasting, was bested by Anthony Gordon, resulting in a foul after a mishandled ball, earning him a second yellow card.
Consequently, he will be suspended for the Brighton match next weekend.
James said:
“I take full responsibility for my red card.”
“Another lesson for me to learn. I’d like to apologise to the fans and my team-mates.”
The England right back who had been one of the better Chelsea performers until his red card, was chosen for the captaincy because he is someone who truly understands the tough club culture built by legends like Didier Drogba, John Terry and Frank Lampard.
The academy graduate and Chelsea fan has been leaning on Thiago Silva for advice and even went to France during the international break to pick the brains of South Africa’s Rugby World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi.
He is doing his best, but stopping Chelsea’s decline is a heavy burden on a young captain who is also trying to perform himself to get back in the England team ahead of the Euros.
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Pochettino was measured in his criticism of one of his best players, knowing James will be key to any Chelsea revival.
But, for the first time, Pochettino refused to put a positive spin on a loss, calling out his players as “soft” and admitting to being “very, very, very, very angry.”
Last week, he met his players to discuss why the team have fallen short in games they were expected to win.
His feeling is they continue to ignore his advice about being “more competitive,”
meaning players must be willing to make contact with either the ball or opposing players in duels, be ready to use the dark arts and really strive for victories.
Injury-hit Newcastle did not play particularly well but used all those qualities to overcome Chelsea.
“We just felt on top of them,” Magpies captain Lascelles said. “And after the second goal, they lost their heads a little bit, and we took advantage.”
Following his three yellow cards and subsequent suspension, Pochettino watched from the directors’ box at St James’ Park.
He had co-owner Behdad Eghbali sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart for company.
Pochettino expressed his anger and disappointment at his side’s spectacular collapse against Newcastle, who scored three times in the final 30 minutes as Chelsea’s defence lost its shape and their mini-revival was brought to a halt.
