"Just a Small Mistake" – Jorginho Defends Nicolas Jackson After Costly Red Card Against Flamengo
Ex-Chelsea star Jorginho urges fans not to give up on Nicolas Jackson, insisting the young striker has what it takes to become one of the world’s best despite his recent red card setback.
Former Chelsea midfielder Jorginho has come to the defence of Nicolas Jackson following his red card during the Blues’ 3-1 defeat to Flamengo in the Club World Cup.
Jackson, who was celebrating his 24th birthday, saw red just four minutes after coming on as a substitute. The Senegalese striker went in recklessly on a Flamengo defender, picking up his second red card in just five games. The moment turned a tough night into a nightmare for the forward and added to Chelsea’s second-half collapse after leading 1-0 at the break.
Despite the mistake, Jorginho believes Jackson has what it takes to rise above the criticism and fulfil his potential.
“Jackson is so good and he is young and he has the quality the club needs,” Jorginho said, as quoted by X.com. “He will surpass this little mistake. I think the red was clear, but it is just a small detail for a big player, and he can be one of the biggest strikers in the world.”
Jackson’s raw ability has never been in doubt, but his lack of discipline and inconsistency in front of goal have raised serious questions. Last season, he scored just 10 Premier League goals — a modest return for a player expected to lead the line at a top club.
The red card against Flamengo drew immediate backlash, with Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel branding the challenge “stupid” and questioning Jackson’s maturity. The player has since taken to Instagram to apologise to fans, teammates and the coaching staff.
With Jackson suspended for the next Club World Cup game, Liam Delap will likely step in. The young striker now has a golden chance to impress manager Enzo Maresca and make a claim for more minutes ahead of the new season.
Although Jackson and Delap are expected to be Chelsea’s main strikers next season, the club is still exploring the transfer market for another attacking option. With Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku potentially leaving the club, a gap remains in Chelsea’s front line.
The Blues have been linked with several names including Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, Brighton’s Joao Pedro and West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus. While Chelsea have yet to make a formal move for any of these targets, their interest suggests that Maresca wants more depth and flexibility up front.
