Chelsea

Nicolas Jackson: 'People talking s*** about me don't know football'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 18 December 2023

Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson hits back at criticism over his performances and behaviour during his opening months at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson has insisted that anyone criticising his performances this season 'don't know about football'.

During the summer transfer window, the Blues opted to commit to a deal that may reach £32m to sign the Senegal international from Villarreal.

Despite only one notable burst of form for the Spanish outfit in La Liga during 2023-24, Jackson has been trusted as Chelsea's frontline striker.

The 22-year-old has had a mixed impact during his first campaign in English football, contributing eight goals and one assist from 15 starts and four substitute outings in all competitions.

Although he got on the scoresheet against Sheffield United at the weekend, it represented just his second goal in six appearances since a hat-trick against nine-man Tottenham Hotspur at the beginning of November.

Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson and Everton's Nathan Patterson clash after the match on December 10, 2023 © Reuters

Furthermore, there has been a lot of attention for Jackson's behaviour, with seven yellow cards being collected largely for dissent and the player being fortunate to avoid an FA charge for grabbing Everton's Nathan Patterson by the neck at the conclusion of a Premier League fixture earlier this week.

However, rather than accept the criticism that has come his way, Jackson has stated that he listens to no-one's opinion outside of Chelsea, insisting that they are "talking s***".

As per the Daily Mail, Jackson said: "It is OK, it is not what I was going for, though it is my first season, so I am happy, although everybody is talking s***, I am very happy. I don't care what people say.

"It is just people who don't know about football. I will just continue to play more games and score more goals for the team.

Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson celebrates scoring their second goal with Reece James on November 6, 2023 © Reuters

"I should have scored more because I have missed some chances. The Premier League is different from La Liga, where I came from. I am trying to adapt myself.

"It is not an excuse. I am trying to continue to work harder and listen to people. Not the people who do not know football, I listen to the coach that knows more football and try to improve myself."

Reports have suggested that Chelsea are already in the market for a new centre-forward in January to provide more competition for Jackson and Armando Broja.

If a fresh face arrives at Stamford Bridge, Broja is more likely to depart on loan in order to secure regular football, rather than Jackson who is seemingly in line to hold down his position in attack over the Christmas and New Year period.