(Reuters) – Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino attributed the team’s league-high total of 56 yellow cards to a lack of experience ahead of a Premier League match against Crystal Palace, as key players Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer have been suspended.
Nicholas Jackson, Malo Gusto, Connor Gallagher, Marcus Bettinelli, Sterling and Palmer all received yellow cards in Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Sterling and Palmer’s bookings were their fifth yellow cards of the season, meaning they will miss Wednesday’s game against Palace.
Asked if Chelsea’s difficulties in keeping their players in line were due to a lack of discipline in the squad, Pochettino told reporters: “No – it’s representative of the fact that we play for Chelsea, we are a big club and you feel the pressure.
“When you are frustrated and lack a bit of experience, it’s (something) we can improve. It’s Palmer’s first season in the Premier League and it is normal.
“He is playing for Chelsea. Of course, it’s frustrating. But the players care, the players want to win. It’s not about a lack of discipline, it’s about having the ability to read the situation of the game.”
Chelsea, currently ranked 10th in the standings, will host Palace before traveling to Luton Town on Saturday.
(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Jamie Freed)
