Mauricio Pochettino urges Chelsea fans to get behind the players and admits that goal-shy Nicolas Jackson ‘needs support’ – after the £32m striker reacted angrily to supporters during the Blues’ 2-0 home defeat to Brentford
- Chelsea suffered a demoralising 2-0 home defeat to Brentford on Saturday
- Pochettino side looked to have turned a corner after promising performances
- Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’
Mauricio Pochettino has urged Chelsea supporters to get behind his players after Nicolas Jackson reacted angrily to a comment from the stands against Brentford on Saturday.
Jackson was upset after being told to ‘wake up’ by a fan shortly before half-time of his side’s 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge.
The Senegal striker has struggled to find the net since his £32million arrival this summer from Villareal, scoring just two Premier League goals and one in the Carabao Cup.
But Pochettino said the 22-year-old forward needs to be given the confidence to find his feet in English football.
‘You cannot abuse even if you say ‘wake up’ because I think it is not right,’ Pochettino said.
Mauricio Pochettino has urged Chelsea supporters to get behind his players after a difficult start to the season for the young squad
Nicolas Jackson reacted angrily after being told to ‘wake up’ by a fan during the defeat
Ethan Pinnock opened the scoring for Brentford as Chelsea’s home woes continued
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‘Of course, it is not the worst thing that has happened in football, but we are very sensitive in this situation where a player is suffering.
‘For different reasons he is suffering, he has suffered an injury. You are at Chelsea and you are 22 and you want to perform and score goals and for the team to win.
‘It was in the 43rd minute. I said after the game it was not a big problem, the fan is right to say ‘OK, come on, wake up,’ but it was the moment, not the situation.
‘Nico needs support. I understand the fans, they are entitled to say what they want, but it was a really quiet moment and it was out of context.
‘At this moment you are fragile, you need help, you need confidence and you need trust and this can change your focus.’
Pochettino also backed goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who has also struggled since his £25m move from Brighton following Kepa Arrizabalaga’s loan switch to Real Madrid.
£25m summer signing Robert Sanchez has also come in for criticism following recent mistakes
The Spaniard’s poor kick led to Declan Rice scoring for Arsenal in the recent 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge and he was caught upfield following a stoppage-time corner which allowed Brentford to break away and score their second goal on Saturday.
‘I am really happy with his attitude and commitment,’ he said. He is going to be great for the club.
‘He only arrived at the last moment, the other keeper went to Madrid, he played in two or three training sessions and then straight into the season.
‘We need to give him time to adapt, it is not the same playing for another team as it is at Chelsea where there is pressure to win.’
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