Nicolas Jackson reflects on Chelsea journey and ambitions for the future
Jackson acknowledges the challenges he faced while adapting to a new club and league, stating, “The first season for any player or any striker that comes to Chelsea is not easy, but I did okay.” He scored 17 goals in total, a figure he is not entirely satisfied with, saying, “I am not very happy with 17 goals because I played the whole season without injuries, but it’s okay. I did good, now I hope to continue and do amazing.” He remains committed to his development, noting, “I am still in the learning process, learning every day, and trying to improve what I can do, and work on what I cannot do.”
The transition to Chelsea was made smoother by his ability to communicate in English and his sociable nature. “It was not hard to adapt to the club because I could speak English and I’m a social person,” he explains. “The only problem was the weather, but I got used to it!” On the pitch, he has developed friendships with his teammates, expressing hope for a successful season ahead: “I hope this year together we will do more than last year and win something.”
Jackson, who spoke to the official Chelsea page, has learned a significant lesson about the Premier League: “intensity.” He quickly recognized the physical and mental demands of playing consistently at a high level. He credits his teammates and coaches for aiding his growth, particularly Enzo Maresca, whom he describes as “an amazing coach and person” who feels “more or less like a father.”
Reflecting on his evolution as a player, Jackson shares, “I was always an offensive player. When I was young I was a number 10 or a false nine, because I like to move and drop deep.” His time in Europe, particularly under Unai Emery at Villarreal, transformed his role into a fixed number nine, a change he is grateful for: “Unai changed all that, and I’m grateful. I try to work harder to improve every day in that position.”
Jackson’s attributes make him well-suited to lead the line, as he possesses speed, strength, and finesse. He recalls his clever assist for Cole Palmer’s goal against Wolves and cites his favorite goal as the one scored against Everton at Stamford Bridge.
Looking ahead, Jackson is determined to make his mark at Chelsea, stating, “I want to win trophies, to make Chelsea the best, put the team back where it was, and to win individual trophies as well, to help my club and country.” He emphasizes the importance of teamwork: “I am trying to work hard for that aim, but the most important is the team, and I hope with the team we will win many trophies together. These are the happy moments you can tell your family about. That’s the aim.”
Nicolas Jackson is poised for an exciting future at Chelsea, having recently signed a two-year contract extension. After a promising first season, the striker reflects on his journey and aspirations, emphasizing that this is just the beginning.