Nicolas Jackson’s loan move to Bayern Munich from Chelsea was the probably the most dramatic transfer on deadline day this summer.
The 24-year-old was extremely highly rated a couple of years ago when he moved to Stamford Bridge from Villarreal for £30m transfer fee.
He has netted 30 goals in 81 appearances for the Blues but due to his disciplinary issues and recent signings of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap forced Enzo Maresca to push him down the pecking order.
After the deal almost went through, Chelsea had a change of heart with Delap’s injury and decided to recall the Senegalese.
However, eventually the loan move was approved on deadline day sealing Jackson’s switch to Bavaria.
Despite all the issues at Chelsea in recent months, Jackson insists that he holds not grudge for Chelsea nor for Maresca.
“[There were] very strong emotions, but not for the reasons you might think,” Jackson told Tuttosport. “I was simply very happy to sign for one of the biggest clubs in the world, to discover another league and other great players.
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“At the same time, I was a little sad to leave Chelsea, my teammates, and the fans. I experienced so many strong emotions there: we won the Conference League and the Club World Cup. Now I’m 100 per cent focused on my new project and I can’t wait to experience the incredible atmosphere at the Allianz Arena.”
What did Jackson say about Maresca?
Bayern Munich desperately needed attacking reinforcements this summer and after suffering a lot of rejection, they eventually landed Jackson on deadline day.
The Senegal international is extremely versatile and though he is thought to be Harry Kane’s backup, Jackson could also double up in a two-striker formation or also on the left-flank.
The 24-year-old was Chelsea’s first-choice striker last season as he finished with 13 goals and six assists in 37 appearances.
But his incessant red cards during the last few matches in the Premier League and the Club World Cup saw Maresca lose faith in him.
“Football is full of cycles. Sometimes things don’t go as they should, and that’s part of the game. I respect Maresca, I learned a lot from him, he has his own ideas and style.”
When asked to compare between Maresca and Vincent Kompany, Jackson said, “To be honest I don’t like to compare coaches, they both have their own style and operate in different clubs and contexts. They were two top players, now they are two top coaches. I learned a lot from coach Maresca and I know that Vincent Kompany will also teach me a lot. I can’t wait to play under his guidance.”
Jackson will be a part of an extremely talented attacking lineup at Bayern Munich which includes Kane, Michael Olise, Luis Diaz and Serge Gnabry.
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