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Nicolas Jackson reveals how he deals with Chelsea ‘pressure’ – Enzo Maresca will love what he has to say

Mitchell Tapner

Wed 11 December 2024 17:45, UK

Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, has undoubtedly been one of Premier League’s most in-form attackers so far this season, with the Senegalese pushing Chelsea into a title race.

It has nꦚot been an easy ride f🐲or the 23-year-old, who has come under huge criticism from Stamford Bridge faithful since his arrival at the club.

Nicolas Jackson arrived at Stamford Bridge ahead of the 2023/24 season under Mauricio Pochettino, where the forward went on to produce in moments. It hasn’t been plain sailing, but life in a blue shirt is starting to look a lot better under Enzo Maresca.

Nicolas Jackson embracing the Chelsea challenge that he was ‘ready to face’

Speaking in an interview with the ‘Greatest Sport’ on YouTube, Jackson shared how he’s soaked in the pressure of playing for the Blues, defying advice from some⛎ who urged him to avoid the club.

“Some o🐼f my friends told me in [the] National team, do🌳n’t go to Chelsea, too much pressure. I said, bro, we’re different. I don’t even want to listen to you.”

The Sene༺galese forward revealed that joining the West London side wasn’t initially the p🍌lan. “I was actually supposed to go to another club… I think Milan. Then my agent told me forget about that, we’re going to Chelsea.”

For Jackson, the prospect of high expectations was a challenge he welcomed. “Too much pressure? No, don’t worry. If I wasn’t ready, I wouldn’t go. I know I’m ready, that’s why I came to Chelsea. I▨ know the pressure there… strikers that came to Chelsea had a tough time, but I was ready to face that.”

Jackson has also spoken about his hunger for self-improvement, describing criticism as motivation. “Criticise me on the pitch, it’s nice… it helps you. I love this, you know.♎”

Despite his positive mindse⭕t, Jackson is far from complacent. “I’ve not made it here yet,” he said. “Making it is scoring 🅠every week, 20/30 goals, or winning trophies.”

How Nicolas Jackson compares to Premier League’s elite

The underlying numbers of Jackson’s game certainly shows to be extremely promising, considering the striker still has areas to improve in his game. The Senegalese boasts more goals this season than the likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Darwin Nunez, who fans were quick to compare him with.

The goalscoring knack that was lon𝓀g lost under Pochettino, has since been revived under Maresca.

Whether Jackson can maintain his goalscoring form throughout the season is a questio✱n that will intrigue Chelsea fans.