Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has admitted that it was “painful for him to see” the removal of his captain Rhys James in the Premier League match against Brighton.
On Wednesday evening, Chelsea beat Brighton 1-2 on the road, but this victory was overshadowed for the Blues by the removal of James in the 88th minute.
After the intervention of the VAR system, the 24-year-old Englishman received a direct red card for rudely brushing off Joao Pedro.
Since this is James’ second removal this season, Rhys will now be disqualified for the match of the final round of the Premier League, as well as for three games in the new campaign.
It is also frustrating for Pochettino that this was only the second match for James after five months away with injury.
“It’s hard for me to express my opinion because I didn’t have time to watch the replays. Maybe he’s disappointed.”
“But yes, it was painful to see. It hurts because it was a wonderful football night, and he is our captain and a really important player.”
“I’m upset because now he’s going to miss this match and maybe a few matches next season,” Pochettino was quoted as saying by the Evening Standard.