Steve Nicol has laid into Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, criticising his style of play and lack of composure.
Former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol has criticised Nicolas Jackson despite the Chelsea forward’s apology after his sending-off in the Blues’ 3-1 defeat by Flamengo in the Club World Cup.
The forward was dismissed only four minutes after coming on as a substitute during the Premier League club’s loss, having played commendably for an hour against Los Angeles FC.
Chelsea were already trailing 2-1 when Jackson was sent off, and Flamengo then added a third goal, effectively relegating Maresca’s men to competing for second place in Group D.
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The 24-year-old has since apologised for his actions, expressing anger at himself and insisting the challenge was unintentional.
Nicol lays into Jackson
In spite of Jackson apologising after his dismissal, Nicol reprimanded the Senegal international on ESPN’s daily show, citing his absence of composure and wanting to prove that he is good enough to play for Chelsea.
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“The only person he has to apologise to is his manager and the rest of the players,” Nicol said on ESPN.
“Look at his disciplinary record, and the frustration is that he knows that he’s not at that level. Every time he steps on the field for Chelsea, he’s trying to prove that he is good enough and when you’re in that mental state of mind, you’re going to make mistakes, you’re going to do reckless things.
“Eighteen yellow cards in 78 games for a centre-forward, that tells you that he’s running around like a chicken that’s lost its head trying to prove something to himself, or Chelsea or whoever.
“And one of the biggest problems he has is with his finishing, and that is about composure. And when you’re going around getting 18 yellows and two reds, that’s lack of composure.
"This guy is not a calm player.”
What’s next for Chelsea?
Chelsea will play Esperance on Tuesday, and they need a draw to avoid exiting the Club World Cup.
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