Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino says the team doesn’t have a discipline issue even though they’ve received the most yellow cards in the league this season.

Despite accumulating the most yellow cards in the Premier League this season and facing suspensions for key players Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer for the clash with Crystal Palace, the Argentine manager remained defiant in his stance that his team do not need to be reined in on the pitch. In the recent match against Wolves, five Chelsea players received cautions as well as Pochettino. While Sterling saw yellow for diving, Palmer, Malo Gusto and Nicolas Jackson were booked for dissent.

Speaking to reporters, Pochettino said: “No (it’s not a discipline problem) – 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.”

Apart from the suspensions, Chelsea have been ravaged by injuries as well which has thwarted their progress on the pitch. Despite the hurdles, Pochettino remains optimistic about finding the right equilibrium in the squad.

“To have all of the players fit is the moment when we will find the right balance,” the manager said.

“At the moment we are trying to compensate as we always have eight, 10, 12 players out, so we have to adapt to find the balance and find solutions.”

Chelsea’s defeat to Wolves last weekend was their 19th league loss in 2023, the join-most in the English top flight.

Chelsea have lost four consecutive matches on the road, which is testament to their lean patch of form. Their struggles might be compounded shortly as after hosting Crystal Palace on Wednesday, they have a tricky away match against Luton Town on December 30. The newly-promoted side have been a handful for away teams at Kenilworth Road this campaign and the Blues must be on their toes to avoid an upset.

Despite these challenges, Pochettino continues to exude confidence in his team’s ability to overcome adversity and regain their winning form. He expressed his belief in the players’ commitment to their objectives and their determination to succeed despite the setbacks they have faced. This unwavering faith in their potential to rise above the difficulties serves as a source of motivation for the squad as they strive to navigate through a demanding period in their season.