Nicolas Jackson criticizes Chelsea owners for Mauricio Pochettino’s departure in a harsh Instagram post.
Jackson and Chelsea Players Reveal True Feelings About Pochettino’s Departure
In Chelsea news, Mauricio Pochettino’s exit has taken many by surprise, especially among players who saw improvement under his leadership.
Nicolas Jackson has subtly criticized Chelsea’s decision to part ways with Mauricio Pochettino on Tuesday night. Despite ending the season with five consecutive wins, the Blues swiftly decided to reevaluate their plans for the summer.
Pochettino’s future was decided after meetings with club officials on Monday and Tuesday, with both sides agreeing that a separation was best. Chelsea is now searching for their fourth permanent head coach under Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital’s ownership.
Although there were numerous calls for Pochettino’s dismissal during his first season at Stamford Bridge, he managed to turn the team’s fortunes around in the new year. Chelsea’s form, second only to the top four teams, secured European football with a game to spare.
However, this success wasn’t enough to save Pochettino’s job, as fundamental disagreements between him and the club proved insurmountable. This news is a significant blow for many players who developed under his guidance.
Several first-team players have praised Pochettino’s influence on a new, young squad over the past year, with many expecting him to continue leading them. Jackson, in particular, seems particularly bewildered by the decision.
On Instagram, Jackson expressed his thoughts with two face-palm emojis over a photo of himself with Pochettino. The 22-year-old also wrote: “Love you coach. Wish we could stay together more [face palm emoji] But may God continue to bless you and your family. Thanks for the advice and support you’re a true lion and fighter wish you all the best [red heart emoji].”
Jackson shared an image of Pochettino with his arm around Jackson’s shoulder and reposted a caption from Pochettino in November. This photo included Pochettino with Enzo Fernandez, Jackson, and Marc Cucurella during a training session.
This came after Chelsea’s victory over Spurs before the international break. At that time, Pochettino wrote: “Extremely proud and happy of the players for the attitude and results they have produced in two difficult fixtures during this week. It is really satisfying to go to an international break with this feeling, although I prefer we have another game more sooner! We want to build something special @chelseafc and this is exactly the way we want the players to perform and feel. Already this season, we have had some high and low moments, and the players are showing everyone the capacity they have to compete with any side. Thank you everyone for continuing to show such a great support for the team [punch emoji].”
Jackson flourished under Pochettino, scoring 14 Premier League goals and providing five assists in his debut season. The Senegal striker, who played more than expected due to teammates’ injuries, impressed by leading the line.
He scored 17 goals in all competitions, second only to Cole Palmer, and received Pochettino’s support during goal droughts and disciplinary issues. Jackson isn’t the only player to wish Pochettino well; Palmer also took to social media to express his sentiments.
Carney Chukwuemeka, who had limited playtime due to injury, posted: “Thank you coach [blue heart and prayer hands emoji],” while Moises Caicedo added: “Mister! It was a pleasure [sad face emoji] I wish you all the best for the future! What a person and what a coach [blue heart emoji].”
Cucurella also showed his surprise: “[Blushing face emojis] Thanks for everything Mister,” he wrote. “Good luck in the future [blue heart emoji].”
For some Chelsea players, including Cucurella, Chukwuemeka, and Raheem Sterling, Pochettino’s replacement will be their sixth manager in less than two years.
