Nicolas Jackson explains what he wants to change to get fewer bookings at Chelsea
Nicolas Jackson, Chelsea’s promising new talent, has made a significant impact since his arrival from Villarreal. Following a standout 2022/23 season with Villarreal, where he became a La Liga sensation, Jackson joined Chelsea.
His passion for English football and the Premier League was a driving factor in his decision. Jackson’s time at Chelsea has been notable both for his goal-scoring prowess and his disciplinary record.
His seven goals for the club, including a notable one against Manchester City, highlight his attacking capabilities. However, his tendency to attract bookings, with seven to his name and a one-match suspension already served, is a concern.
Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea’s head coach, has addressed this issue in a unique way, opting for physical punishment over monetary fines to discipline Nicolas Jackson for his bookings. He made the striker run high-intensity laps.
In an interview as quoted by the Telegraph, Jackson revealed his commitment to changing this aspect of his game. He understands the importance of avoiding unnecessary bookings and is eager to focus more on scoring goals than accumulating yellow cards.
“One day, I was running and I didn’t know why. Maybe that was it. I was dead that day, I think that was my punishment. They just called me out to run. I said ‘why, what happened’, but I just had to run. It was laps, really hard, the intensity, then I was lying down when I finished. I think it was that. The coach spoke to me and told me to be careful. When you show a card, you get a yellow card. That was the main thing. I’m planning to change that. I don’t mind getting 40 yellow cards if I get 30 goals! I have a (goals) target in my mind. I’ll tell you at the end of the season if I get there. I’m confident I will.”
His ambition is clear: he doesn’t mind getting bookings as long as he scores more goals, setting a personal target for the season which he confidently believes he will achieve. Still, Jackson, you have to be careful of those bookings.
Despite an injury setback early in 2023, he returned stronger, leading Villarreal’s attack and earning La Liga’s Player of the Month for May. This experience has fueled his desire to achieve even more.
At Chelsea, Jackson is committed to giving his best and helping the team achieve its goals. His work ethic, combined with his finishing skills, off-the-ball running, and love for taking on defenders, make him a valuable asset for the team.
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More goals and fewer bookings – that’s what we want from Jackson. Let’s hope he can keep doing that for many seasons to come.