LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Following Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, Mauricio Pochettino has expressed confidence in Nicolas Jackson’s ability to become a “prolific” striker for the club, despite Jackson missing a crucial opportunity during the match.
Chelsea faced their second setback of the 2023-24 season in just four games, succumbing to an Anthony Elanga goal at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues had opportunities before and after Forest’s goal but failed to convert any of them into goals.
Jackson, a £32 million ($40 million) summer signing from Villarreal, had the most significant chance to salvage something from the disappointing home performance but fired the ball over the crossbar with an open goal late in the game.
When asked if Jackson, the Senegal international, could become a consistent goal-scorer for Chelsea, Pochettino replied positively, saying;
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“Yes, of course, but he needs time to adapt to the Premier League. He is doing a fantastic job, but scoring is not easy.
“Sometimes he rushes his decisions, but this is simply because he needs to settle down, stay calm, and be more composed. I am sure he will start scoring goals.”
Jackson has scored one goal in five appearances for Chelsea, with his lone strike coming against Luton.
Pochettino emphasized that as Jackson becomes more settled in the team and accustomed to the Premier League, he will develop into the formidable central striker that Chelsea is in need of.
Pochettino added, “In the future, we will see a different side of him because he will convert these chances when he’s relaxed, composed, and feels at home in the team and in the Premier League.
“He’s been a bit unlucky in these situations because we had opportunities to score and win the game.
“It’s difficult to explain because all the team’s statistics are positive; the only thing missing is the goals.”