As featured on NewsNow: Football news

Chelsea boss Pochettino defends Jackson: Fans expect an instant Diego Costa or Drogba

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino says he believes in the potential of Nicolas Jackson.

The striker has hit out at his critics for "talking s***" in the past week.

"He was really good," said Pochettino after the win at Luton. "He missed the chance to score but the way he worked for the team, ran and pressed, everything was amazing.

'I think we are putting too much focus on him. We need to give him time, believe in him, and it was really nice that the fans, in the moment he missed the chance, were very supportive. I appreciate the fans that support him and the team.

"Jackson has scored goals this season, and if we look at attacking players in the past who arrived in England from a different club, they have not always performed in their first season.

"But after a few months, some want Jackson to score goals like (Didier) Drogba or (Jimmy Floyd) Hasselbaink – or someone like Diego Costa, who came to Chelsea with different experience.

"You need to see the background of the player. He is young, came from Spain having not played too much, and is a very good prospect with amazing potential. Only with time will he be more relaxed and calm.

"But we're at Chelsea, it's not the same as playing at a different club. The pressure when you touch the ball…it's to do something fantastic. But little by little we are going to be more consistent, grow, and be more mature."

Video of the day:

About the author

Paul Vegas

×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

  1. Go Ad-Free
  2. Faster site experience
  3. Support great writing
  4. Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free
×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free