James was sent off in victory at Brighton, having only made his return last week.
Pochettino said: It was a really difficult season but now we need to help him to move on and then to accept punishment that will be there in the next few days.
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"Most important is to back him, to trust in him, for sure he needs to be ready for pre-season to start to train to build his fitness and then the talent is there.
"For sure next season he is going to be one of the best players in the Premier League."