Pochettino defends ‘fantastic’ striker after FA Cup stinker, backs him to come good for Chelsea | OneFootball

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has put his arm around striker Nicolas Jackson following his poor showing against Manchester City in the FA Cup this weekend.

The Blues’ FA Cup exit to City left them trophyless for the season, but Pochettino remains firmly behind Jackson despite a frustrating performance.

The Senegalese centre-forward spurned three clear-cut chances to give the Blues the lead before City eventually punished them and knocked them out.

The loss means Pochettino’s search for his first trophy in England continues. Despite being on the losing side after his team played a great game, Pochettino sees the bigger picture.

“Jackson is doing fantastic, and he will always have my support,” Pochettino said ahead of the clash with Arsenal tomorrow (via Chelse’s YouTube channel).

“He’s doing an amazing job for the team, running, scoring, assists. It’s not easy in the first season. Nicolas fights for the club, and he will be better next season, no doubts.”

Jackson has received a barrage of insults for his display, but the Senegalese striker has all the tools to be a top striker, and his first Premier League season has shown excellent signs.

The former Villarreal striker has bagged 10 and four assists in 28 league appearances. He has also been involved in Chelsea’s best sequences this season.

His 18 big chances missed hang above his head, but he has had a decent debut campaign in arguably the most difficult league in the world.

Jackson will only improve next season, as Pochettino has predicted. However, the Blues will be wise to add a proven goalscoring centre-forward with experience to provide him with competition.

Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney have been linked to Chelsea, but those big-money additions will stifle Jackson’s development.

The Blues need a shrewd signing such as VfB Stuttgart hitman Serhou Guirassy, who has netted 25 goals in 24 Bundesliga appearances this term.

The 28-year-old has Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Champions League and Europa League experience and has shown he can lead the line for a top team.

The upcoming season will be a crucial one for both Jackson and Chelsea.

He’ll need to convert his chances and continue his overall development, while the Blues must find the right balance between nurturing his talent and addressing their immediate goalscoring needs.