Mauricio Pochettino Believes He Could Become an Outstanding Striker

Mauricio Pochettino commended Nicolas Jackson for proving his critics wrong by excelling this season, scoring 14 goals in the Premier League without any penalties. Jackson aimed to reach 15 goals in his debut season at Chelsea, and he is close to surpassing the record set by Diego Costa in 2016-17. Pochettino emphasized that despite external scrutiny on Jackson's missed opportunities, Chelsea is content with his progress and sees his potential for improvement.

Pochettino mentioned that Jackson faced harsh criticism early on, especially due to comparisons with Didier Drogba, which affected the new signing. Pochettino urged for patience and understanding, highlighting Jackson's hard work and confidence leading to a shift in public opinion. The Chelsea manager expressed pride in Jackson's recent performances and the positive reception from fans, contrasting it with the tendency to criticize players for mistakes.

Following Jackson's winning goal against Nottingham Forest, Pochettino praised the striker's celebration with the away fans, emphasizing the team's support for players like Jackson who deserve backing during challenging times. Additionally, Pochettino reassured Gareth Southgate that Ben Chilwell will be fit to represent England at Euro 2024, as Chilwell and other injured Chelsea players are returning to full fitness. The team's injury list has reduced to four names, marking a positive development for Chelsea this season.