John Obi Mikel has launched a scathing attack on Nicolas Jackson after the Chelsea forward’s red card during their 3-1 Club World Cup defeat to Flamengo. Jackson was introduced in the second half with Chelsea trailing but lasted just four minutes before a reckless challenge earned him a straight red.
The Senegalese striker lunged in dangerously on Ayrton Lucas, leaving his side in disarray as they chased the game. Chelsea had taken the lead through Pedro Neto but fell apart in the second half, conceding three unanswered goals.
Mikel, speaking on DAZN, described Jackson’s decision as a “stupid, stupid mistake” and questioned his mindset and maturity. This is not the first time Jackson has made headlines for the wrong reasons. He was previously sent off against Newcastle in May for a wild elbow on Sven Botman.
That dismissal ruled him out for the remainder of the Premier League season and the start of the new campaign. Mikel expressed concern that frustration may be creeping in due to competition from new signing Liam Delap.
He warned that if Jackson can’t handle the pressure of battling for his place, he should consider leaving the club. “He wants to be the only guy playing every game,” said Mikel. “No, we need healthy competition to win trophies.”
Mikel added that Enzo Maresca may need to rethink his striker options if Jackson keeps letting the team down. “If he doesn’t trust him, then it’s time for Delap to start the games,” the former Chelsea midfielder concluded.