“Only that he didn’t score”- Mauricio Pochettino gives verdict on Chelsea striker’s performance vs Nottingham Forest

Chelsea Boss Mauricio Pochettino praises young star Nicolas Jackson

In a recent press conference covered by Football.London’, Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino revealed that he was happy with the new signing Nicolas Jackson’s recent performance. Though Chelsea lost their recent match against Nottingham Forest, Pochettino was more or less happy with Jackson’s display.

The Senegal international played the full 90 minutes in the 1-0 loss at Stamford Bridge just before the international break. More importantly, he missed two big chances in the final third as the Blues succumbed to an embarrassing defeat.

Pochettino also said that Jackson needed to improve in a lot of sectors.

“For me, the performance was good, only that he didn’t score.”

Pochettino said that even though Jackson’s performance was good, a striker needs to either score or assist to have an impact on the game.

“As a striker you need to score or assist but we need to think that Jackson came from Spain, he’s young, he needs to build his confidence and trust.”

However, Pochettino was confident that Jackson would only get better as he plays more and more matches. He added:

He needs to adapt to the Premier League. It’s only a matter of time but he’s doing a fantastic job for the team. He needs to be more clinical in front of goal but I think that is going to happen. No doubt he is a fantastic player.

Chelsea had signed Jackson from the Spanish side Villarreal for a transfer fee of £32m. He made his debut for Chelsea on 13th August 2023 in a 1–1 draw against Liverpool and scored his first Chelsea goal in a 3-0 win against the newly promoted side Luton Town.

Jackson is a part of a period of substantial change for Chelsea and it is unfair to load all our scoring burden on his young shoulders. The Blues are now primarily focusing on securing and nurturing young talent. And new manager Mauricio Pochettino holds a reputation for getting the best out of promising talents

• Mauricio Pochettino reveals that Chelsea star Levi Colwill is not seriously injured
• Mauricio Pochettino causes Chelsea frenzy after failing to recognise Malang Sarr
• Fabrizio Romano reveals Chelsea have approached Corinthians for Gabriel Moscardo

Right now, injuries to Christopher Nkunku and lack of match fitness for Armando Broja means we have to stick with the 22-year-old. Perhaps he wasn’t bought to be a starter from the get-go but right now, he is the only natural striker that we have and he has shown glimpses of his brilliance. His best is yet to come.