Chelsea’s Senegalese striker, Nicolas Jackson, candidly assessed his performance in the first half of the season and addressed the criticism surrounding his contribution to the team.
Drawing parallels with the experiences of renowned players Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne during their Chelsea stints, Jackson remains unfazed by external noise, expressing his determination to focus on his game and deliver for the team.
While Chelsea finds themselves in the 10th position in the Premier League, mirroring the team’s inconsistent form, Jackson has notched up 7 goals in 16 appearances.
However, it is the statistic of 11 big missed chances that has invited scrutiny from fans and skeptics, questioning the impact of the 38-million-euro summer signing from Villarreal.
In response to the critiques, Jackson exhibited a resilient mindset, stating, “My season? It’s good, even if it’s not what I was hoping for.
But it’s my first season (in the Premier League), so I’m happy, even if everyone is talking bullshit, I’m very happy, and I don’t care what people say. They’re just people who don’t know football.”
Acknowledging the differences between LaLiga and the Premier League, Jackson expressed his commitment to adaptation and improvement, recognizing areas where he could have been more clinical in front of goal.
The 23-year-old striker, under the management of Mauricio Pochettino, finds solace in the belief and guidance of the Argentine coach.
Pochettino, known for nurturing young talents, continues to instill confidence in Jackson, emphasizing the importance of mental resilience in overcoming challenges.
Jackson drew inspiration from the struggles of former Chelsea players Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah, both of whom faced challenges during their time with the Blues but have since emerged as global football icons.
Pochettino’s message to Jackson echoes a sentiment of perseverance and the avoidance of external distractions.
As Chelsea progresses through the season, Jackson remains focused on his personal growth and contribution to the team, underscoring the impact of mental fortitude in navigating the rigorous demands of top-tier football.
