Mikel responds after Jackson told Chelsea legend to 'stop talking s***t'

Suraj Radia

• 19 Sept 2024 21:00 BST
• 4 min read

John Obi Mikel has responded to Nicolas Jackson’s comments, having been told by the Chelsea striker ‘don’t talk s***’ following criticism of his finishing.

Mikel had been vocal over the summer on Chelsea’s pursuit of Victor Osimhen, believing his Nigerian compatriot to be an upgrade on Jackson due to the latter’s inconsistent finishing.

Jackson has scored twice in the Premier League this season and posted a message calling out Mikel after his strike in Chelsea’s 6-2 win over Wolves last month.

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But, speaking on beIN Sports, Mikel defended his comments over Jackson, saying: “I’ve always said what I’ve said about Nicolas Jackson. He is a good player, there is not once I have ever said he is a bad player.

"The only criticism is his finishing needs to be much better. In terms of giving us what we want, being in the right place at the right time, he does for the team."

Mikel added: "I don’t think he agrees to that but I think everyone will understand what I am saying. It’s not coming from a bad place, it’s a really constructive criticism."

Ruud Gullit, who was in conversation with Mikel said: "As long as he knows that himself." To which Mikel replied: "But he doesn’t. That’s why when he scored he told me to shut up!"

Jackson and Mikel’s bitter war of words

Despite scoring 14 goals last season, Jackson endured criticism during his debut year, with Mikel among the critics believing the striker to be underwhelming with his shooting.

Current ETV

Nicolas Jackson

F (C)

Chelsea

Nicolas Jackson

F (C)

Chelsea

€46.9M

ETV Range

€35.2M - €58.6M

View full profile

Speaking on his Obi One podcast over the summer, Mikel said: "We created chances, we haven't taken them. And just an example of how Jackson finishes. You can see there, even though he was offside, he dribble [past] one or two or three players and the way he shot the ball!

"You need a striker who knows how to hit a ball back in the back of the net and that's what we don't have. I know I talk so much about him and sometimes I sound like I disrespect him. I don't disrespect him.

"I think at Chelsea Football Club we need a top striker who can get us a goal. A bit like [Haaland], 91 goals [for City] that's absolutely unbelievable."

The comments led to Jackson’s outburst on social media, posting a story to Instagram which said: “@mikel_john_obi shut your mouth, don't talk s***. We are killing ourselves for Africa."