Maresca makes transfer admission after Nicolas Jackson blows chances

Robin Bairner

• 4 Jan 2025 18:09 GMT
• 3 min read

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has admitted that he hopes the Blues can make signings during the January transfer window and has openly confessed which area of the side that he is seeking to strengthen.

Speaking after Chelsea were held 1-1 against Crystal Palace, a fourth Premier League match without a victory for his side, Maresca defended Nicolas Jackson for the chances he missed during the encounter and instead said he wants defensive reinforcements for his side.

The Blues dominated the Selhurst Park clash, but despite having 15 shots managed only one on goal – that was scored by Cole Palmer after wonderful buildup play from Jadon Sancho. They were ultimately punished for their inefficiency as Jean-Philippe Mateta scored with eight minutes left to level the game.

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Afterwards, Maresca admitted wanting additional defensive players because of the selection problems that pressed him to start with youngster Josh Acheampong at centre-back.

“Even if we don't decide to buy players or sell players, we already knew Josh was good enough. But with Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana's injuries, we will see if something can happen,” he said.

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Maresca defends Jackson

Chelsea have long been linked with a centre-forward due to the perceived inefficiency of Nicolas Jackson, and Saturday’s performance will only fuel the clamour for the Stamford Bridge side to add to their forward line.

Maresca, though, backed his centre-forward, who has silenced many of his critics by scoring nine Premier League goals this season.

“For a striker, sometimes they score all their chances, sometimes they don't score. He had two or three clear chances today so that means he is there and ready. Hopefully next time he can be more lucky,” he said.

Despite rumours linking Chelsea to the likes of Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres, Jackson has been one of the leading performing No.9s in the Premier League this season, suggesting that the Blues are indeed right to channel their January thoughts towards their injury-hit defence.