‘I think we need that’ - Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel makes Nicolas Jackson U-turn

Mikel John Obi's latest remarks on Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson suggest a dramatic change of heart towards the wantaway forward.

Former Chelsea and Nigeria midfielder Mikel John Obi has seemingly backtracked on his former remarks about Nicolas Jackson. 

The retired football star had previously been critical about the Senegal international’s finishing and composure in front of goal, citing his ball-striking as a weakness.

“You need to have a striker who knows how to hit a ball in the back of the net and that's what we don't have,” said Mikel in August 2024.

“I know I talk so much about him and sometimes I sound like I disrespect him, but I don't disrespect him.”

That remark provoked a fiery reaction from the Chelsea striker, who took umbrage at the Nigerian’s comments, but Obi did not back down throughout the 2024-25 season. 

Mikel Obi’s continued Jackson criticism

The retired midfield man’s frustration with Jackson reached its peak after the striker’s sending-off against Flamengo at the Club World Cup, notably using colourful language on air as his irritation was unmistakable. 

“Unbelievable. Stupid, stupid, stupid mistake,” Mikel's rant began. “I don't know what was going through his head. You come into the game; you are 2-1 down at that point. Your team needs you. And he does that. 

“He did it in a league game at Newcastle. Again, a very important game which we needed to win to qualify for the Champions League. He did that, he got a red card. And now he's done this. You can't keep making mistakes.

"I don't care what his frustration is. It's a football club. It's a massive football club, and it's about competition. If you're p***ed off that Delap's coming to the football club and he's going to be the competition with you... You have to embrace it if you are a big player. Because the only way you are going to win trophies is if you are competing against each other.” 

Having then followed up those remarks by stating that the forward was now Chelsea’s third-choice forward behind Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, Mikel Obi has seemingly now had a change of heart. 

Mikel Obi’s Jackson U-turn

In a recent episode of the Obi One Podcast, Mikel Obi highlighted some of the striker’s key qualities, signalling a different tone. 

The former Chelsea player also suggested that the Blues should hold on to the Senegal international, stating that he only wanted competition for the former Villarreal man. 

“I’m hearing that Nicolas Jackson wants to leave,” said Mikel Obi. “I hope he stays because I still think he still has a massive part to play this season going forward at this football club.

“I’ve said it, he’s a fantastic player; the qualities that he brings to the football club, I think we need that. If he stays, I’m happy if he stays.” 

Could Nicolas Jackson stay at Chelsea?

Jackson’s future at Chelsea remains uncertain, particularly after Enzo Maresca’s comments prior to the Blues’ Premier League match against West Ham. 

The forward has been linked with several English clubs, including Aston Villa and Newcastle United, and European heavyweights Bayern Munich. 

"Nicolas Jackson is available, but he's not part of the squad for West Ham,” said Maresca on Thursday. "We know something can happen before the window closes. With Christo, it's the same answer."

What’s next for Chelsea?

Chelsea play West Ham United at the London Stadium on Friday, seeking their first Premier League win of 2025-26.