Jackson issues defiant Chelsea message amid Osimhen interest

Cameron Smith

• 23 Feb 2024 15:56 CST
• 3 min read

Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson has insisted that his preferred position is through the middle, despite the fact he has played as a left winger in recent weeks.

The Senegalese international joined the Blues from Villarreal last summer, however he may lose his place in the starting XI if Victor Osimhen moves to Stamford Bridge in 2024.

The Napoli superstar has been heavily linked with a transfer to Chelsea this year and he would likely replace Jackson if he seals a move to west London.

However, Jackson has revealed that he wants to play through the middle, despite the fact he could see his role diminished next season.

What has Nicolas Jackson said?

Speaking to TalkSPORT, Jackson admitted: “I'm a striker. Since I came to Spain, I have played as a striker. Unai [Emery] put me as a striker, before I was a No.10, and he taught me everything about football.

“I wasn't in an academy or anything. Before I was just playing because we had talent and we just played. But Unai put me as a striker and for four years I played as a striker for him. I'm very happy in that position and it's my preferred position.

“It's just a matter of understanding each other on the pitch and the goals will come, for sure. Unai told me before and Pochettino is telling me again. I've been in this situation before."

Jackson also revealed that the pressure of playing for Chelsea is difficult, but not overwhelming.

“It's not easy," he said. "If you think of all the strikers that came here, you would not want to come here. If you think about the strikers that come here, and people say they're not good enough, you would think, ‘There is no need for me to come here.’

“But I was brought up to be challenged and don't listen to other people and just do the thing that's the most important, that's playing for the team and making the team win, and being in a good relationship with the players and the coach and everybody.”

When asked if criticism online bothers him, Jackson responded: “When I first came [it did]. LaLiga is not like this. So when I first came, a little bit.

“But now, after talking to the coach and realising the most important thing is us, I don't care about these things anymore.”

Jackson added: "Sometimes I go to sleep watching the same videos, always thinking I should've done better.

“But when I was young, I saw [Karim] Benzema playing for Real Madrid. I was supporting Madrid when I was young and Benzema was missing a lot of chances.

“But you know, later he won the Ballon d'Or. I'm not saying I'm that level. I can't be at that level now.

“But I've seen it before so I'm not worried. I'm just trying to improve every day and be where I want to be.”