Mauricio Pochettino offers his assessment of Nicolas Jackson following a challenging start for the Chelsea striker.

After blazing Chelsea’s best chance over the bar in the defeat to Nottingham Forest, Pochettino believes that Nicolas Jackson requires time to adapt to the Premier League. In the 83rd minute of the match, the 22-year-old missed a glorious opportunity to equalize from just five yards out, following Anthony Elanga’s earlier second-half opener.

Jackson, aged 22, has been facing difficulties while carrying the weight of expectation as Chelsea’s frontman, especially with alternative options Christopher Nkunku and Armando Broja sidelined due to injuries. Reflecting on Jackson’s performance after the game, Pochettino commented, “I believe we will be talking differently in the future. He needs time to adjust to the Premier League. He’s doing a fantastic job, but scoring is not an easy task.”

Pochettino noted that Jackson appears a bit hurried in his decision-making and should strive to remain calmer and more composed, which will ultimately lead to him finding the back of the net. Chelsea suffered a 1-0 defeat to Steve Cooper’s team at Stamford Bridge and have accumulated only four points from their first four Premier League matches.

Pochettino is facing pressure to enhance Chelsea’s form after the international break, but with the youngest squad in the league, he emphasizes the importance of patience in the development process. He stated, “The process is the process. I cannot expedite certain processes, but what will help is being disappointed with today’s game and the game against West Ham where we deserved more.”

Pochettino acknowledged the need for improved clinical finishing in front of goal and avoiding costly mistakes, such as the one that allowed Nottingham Forest their chance. While he expressed frustration over the team’s deserved points slipping away, he remains determined and positive, believing that the squad’s hard work will eventually yield the results they deserve.