“We are happy” – Pochettino insists he doesn’t need to speak to 22-year-old about his discipline | OneFootball

Mauricio Pochettino has insisted he doesn’t need to speak to Moises Caicedo about his on field discipline ahead of tonight’s game against Arsenal.

Caicedo, who arrived last summer from Brighton for a British record fee of £115m has been booked 12 times this season, and is one yellow card away from a two match suspension.

The Ecuador international was fortunate not to be sent for a challenge on Jack Grealish in the FA Cup semi final, and has been involved in similar incidents with Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon and Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch this season.

Ahead of the game at the Emirates Pochettino insisted he’s happy with the midfielder and doesn’t need to speak to him about his discipline.

“In these situations he was a little bit more anxious or nervous about performing, to maybe push himself to go to the edge”, the 52-year-old told The Guardian.

“Now it is much better. He is more calm, relaxed, and we are happy.

“When you are a holding midfielder you need to defend, you are more involved in actions where maybe sometimes you need to be more aggressive. Sometimes you are on the edge”, he added.

The 22-year-old has become a key player in Chelsea’s midfield and has put in some impressive performances recently after a difficult start to life at Stamford Bridge.

The former Brighton man has made 41 appearances in all competitions with 28 of those coming in the Premier League.

Caicedo’s team-mate Nicolas Jackson is also one booking away from a two match suspension, with this game being the last game the pair need to navigate before the bookings are wiped.

Victory for Chelsea would all but end Arsenal’s title hopes, and would see the Blues move up to seventh in the table, level on points with Newcastle in sixth and ahead of Manchester United in the race for Europa League qualification.