Following the Blues’ dismal start to the season, Nicolas Jackson has faced a torrent of criticism. As a result, Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has urged supporters of the club to support him.
Jackson, who was criticized for not scoring during Saturday’s 2-0 home loss to Brentford got into an altercation with a fan at Stamford Bridge following the match.
Pochettino called Jackson a “fragile” and “suffering” person. Since joining the team in the summer from Villarreal, he has only managed three goals in 11 games.
According to the Daily Express, prior to Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup match against Blackburn, the 22-year-old forward from Senegal has received support from his head coach. And requested supporters to show their support for Jackson.
What Did Pochettino Say About Jackson?
“The fans can criticise,” Pochettino said. “They are entitled to criticise and express themselves but I think at the same time they are frustrated OK, we need to analyse the situation.
“Jackson is young, he arrived this season, circumstances didn’t help him perform at his best. What can we do? Throw him in the bin?
“It was 0-0 with Brentford and we were playing well. I think we needed maybe one, two or three nil in the first half.
“It was really frustrating for the fans, I understand that but the player needs help. He needs people to say, ‘Hey come on, keep going, we believe in you’.
“He is our striker, our player, it is about supporting the player. I don’t say the fans are not allowed to criticise the players.
See Also: Madrid Winger Insists Fight Against Racism Will Persist
“I am the first in private when they are not good and the players can do that to me if I make tactics that do not work. Why not? But the most important thing is to understand the situation.”
Chelsea will be looking for a win in tonight’s encounter which can give them some confidence ahead of their Premier League clash against London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur.
COMMENTS