Mauricio Pochettino expressed dissatisfaction with the 23-year-old Chelsea player following their defeat against Newcastle.
Reece James faced a forgettable match, collecting two yellow cards that led to his departure from the game. Pochettino shared his discontent in an interview after the match and believed the red card could have been avoided.
As a result of the dismissal, James will miss Chelsea’s upcoming match against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Pochettino’s dissatisfaction with Reece James seemed justified, with analysts like Alan Shearer noting James had a tough game. His second yellow card for tripping Anthony Gordon appeared unwarranted, putting Pochettino in a difficult situation ahead of the Brighton match.
Marc Cucurella, also facing suspension, and Malo Gusto’s fitness being uncertain due to an injury further compound the team’s challenges.
There’s an expectation for James, as the captain, to perform better and handle frustration differently. Questions might arise regarding his leadership maturity, considering his performance in the last game.
Despite being a key player for Chelsea, James’ decisions on the pitch, such as being sent off, are crucial for the team. Perhaps this experience could help him develop into a more prudent player.