Mauricio Pochettino breaks silence on Reece James after Chelsea star charged by the FA

Reece James was charged by the FA earlier this week following an incident after Chelsea’s defeat to Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Sunday

Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino and Reece James of Chelsea during a training session at Stamford Bridge on August 11, 2023
Mauricio Pochettino breaks silence on Reece James after Chelsea star charged

Mauricio Pochettino has broken his silence on Reece James, who was charged by the Football Association for his behaviour during his side’s defeat to Aston Villa. The 23-year-old, who is currently nursing a hamstring injury, was not involved last Sunday, but he was charged for ‘improper and/or insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards a match official’ after the game.

An official statement from the FA read: “Reece James has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3 following Chelsea’s Premier League game against Aston Villa on Sunday, 24 September.

“It’s alleged that the defender used improper and/or insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards a match official in the tunnel after the game. Reece James has until Friday, 29 September, to provide a response to this charge.”

Ahead of Chelsea’s clash against Fulham on Monday night, Pochettino was asked for his verdict on James’ charge. The 51-year-old said: “I don’t know what is going to happen, but I think he can be involved with the team again as soon as possible. I have nothing to say about that. I didn’t see the situation. I cannot say nothing.”

According to the Daily Mail, James is close to returning to full training after suffering a hamstring issue in training last month. The report states that he could be ready to ‘accelerate’ his involvement next week, with the clash against Burnley described as ‘too soon’.

Instead, there is ‘hope’ that the England international will be ready after the upcoming international break when Chelsea lock horns with Arsenal on October 21. With Ben Chilwell out too due to injury, Pochettino described the duo as ‘some of the best in the world’ in their positions.

“In all of the clubs, important players you always miss when they don’t play. If that is the question: do we miss them? Of course. Always we miss top players, no? They’re top players.

“When they are at their best, of course, they are some of the best in the world. I think all the teams would miss important players. You are talking about why not sign another Ben Chilwell and Reece James? Because there is only one Reece James and one Ben Chilwell.

“I think the club tried with Malo Gusto, Marc Cucurella, also Levi can play there. That is football. In all football clubs, when you have top players, it is difficult to replace.