Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel was left visibly stunned as he gave a brutally honest assessment of Nicolas Jackson
Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel did not hold back with Nicolas Jackson and gave an honest assessment of his poor performance in the 2-0 defeat to Manchester City.
The Blues found themselves 1-0 down in their Premier League opener after Erling Haaland's 18th-minute goal kept out Marc Cucurella. Regretting his comment on Euro 2024.
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Chelsea They had a glorious chance to equalise before the break when Jackson found the back of the net, but his effort was ruled out for offside.
He even missed a great chance (which he was later deemed offside for) by taking too long to touch the ball instead of trying to score.
AND Mikel summed up Chelsea fans' frustrations with Jackson while commentating for beIN Sports at half-time.
“We played well, we didn't play perfect, but we played well,” he said.
“We created chances, but we didn't take them. And it's an example of how Jackson finishes.
“You can see there, even though he was offside, how he dribbled past one, two or three players and the way he threw the ball.”
With his arms outstretched, he continued: “You need a striker who knows how to put the ball back in the net and that's what we don't have.
“I know I talk about him a lot and sometimes it seems like I'm disrespecting him. That's not the case.
“I think at Chelsea Football Club we need a top-class striker who can score goals.
“A bit like (Haaland), 91 goals (for City), that's absolutely incredible.”
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Jackson has suffered inconsistent performances for Chelsea since signing for £32m from Villarreal on an eight-year contract last summer.
He has made 45 appearances for the Blues, but has scored just 17 goals in all competitions and provided just six assists.
Chelsea, who lost 2-0 to City after Mateo Kovacic's late winner, have been linked with Napoli striker Victor Osimhen in a deal that could take Romelu Lukaku in the opposite direction.
Although Napoli director Giovanni Manna recently stated that the potential transfer is currently “blocked.”
He also said: “Victor is an important player, with great value and qualities.
“His desire is clear. We have tried to maintain the integrity of the team at this time.”
Asked whether Osimhen is in favour of a move to Chelsea, Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain, Mann said: “At the moment, it's not right to say what the feeling is.
“We are working with his entourage to find the best solution. As we have said, he is an important player, so it is not as if we can find him anywhere.”
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