Former Chelsea midfielder, John Mikel Obi has addressed the criticism he received from Chelsea striker, Nicolas Jackson.
ALSO READ: Mikel Obi calls out players who pick Africa as second choice
Jackson had told Mikel to “shut up” on Instagram after scoring the opening goal in Chelsea’s 6-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
In an episode of the Obi One Podcast, Mikel Obi, who has been vocal about Jackson’s finishing abilities, clarified his stance on the matter.
“I really like the guy as a football player, there’s something there as a football player. I haven’t said that he’s a bad player at all. I’ve just said that his finishing qualities are not there yet,” he explained.
The Nigerian legend emphasized that Jackson needs to improve and suggested that the club sign a more experienced striker to mentor him.
“He’s a young boy and all I’ve said is that he needs a more experienced striker to come into the club to help him, to help him improve and get better. We all know and can see the shift he puts in week in, week out,” Mikel Obi added.
Mikel Obi also set an example for Jackson to follow, citing Chelsea legend, Didier Drogba, as a role model.
“I would like to see my African brother, like he said, do well in the Premier League at Chelsea, a big club, a massive club where we’ve had one of the greatest strikers in Didier Drogba from Ivory Coast, Africa, did really well, I’d like to see him do well as well,” he said.
Mikel Obi concluded by stating that he would praise Jackson if he performs well and acknowledged that he would accept criticism if Jackson scores consistently.
“If he plays well, I will praise him, if there’s something to be said about him where he needs to improve, I will definitely say it. If he scores every week and tells me to shut up, I will take that,” Mikel Obi said.
See the video below:
“If he plays well, I will praise him. If there’s something to say about him where he needs to improve, I will definitely say it… If he scores every week and tells me to shut up, I will take it”
Mikel Obi responds to Nicolas Jackson calling him out. https://t.co/fuV4H0ce5y pic.twitter.com/xw9KHRDcQt
— @ (@OneJoblessBoy) August 26, 2024
Netizens react:
@happyvibesworld: “Mikel didn’t say anything wrong about Jackson we all saw how he didn’t play to his full potential last season. It was constructive criticism”
@dapreal: “Well said Mikel. You meant the young man no harm. You were just doing your job as a pundit and a fan/legend of the great club.”
@shiestyzeek: “The last part tho
We all want to see Jackson score every week”
@lanrey_42: “This is a good response”
