“Give them a break” “They should leave if they can’t fight for us” – John Obi Mikel warns Enzo Maresca to make strong decision on Chelsea duo
There was one decision made by the Chelsea manager that got everyone talking before they lined up against West Ham United on Monday.
Enzo Maresca had made the decision to drop number one goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, electing instead to start Filip Jorgensen for just the third time in the Premier League.
The boss has defended Sanchez passionately this season, however his latest outing against Manchester City proved too much for him to remain in the starting side.
The decision by Maresca paid off as Chelsea won 2-1, although there are more individuals who are out of form right now for the Blues.
Enzo Maresca told to bench Nicolas Jackson after West Ham win
One of those is Nicolas Jackson, who is without a goal in the last eight Premier League matches after a strong start to the campaign.
The Senegal international was replaced by Marc Guiu on Monday, who certainly showed glimpses of a player who can make a real impact this season.
Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel has instructed Maresca to follow suit and drop Jackson, saying that he believes Christopher Nkunku should be handed a proper chance in the side.
He said on the Obi One Podcast: “Maresca has been bold enough to drop Sanchez. I think he should do that also with Nicolas Jackson.
“Give him a break, take him out of the firing line, put him on the bench, start Christopher Nkunku and see what he does.”
Christopher Nkunku’s Chelsea future
It looked at a stage in the January transfer window that Nkunku was going to be on the move after agreeing terms with Bayern Munich.
However, nothing transpired in the end, partly down to no agreement being reached for Mathys Tel to go the other way, and he will now remain at Stamford Bridge for the rest of the season.
The France international has only been given a handful of serious opportunities in the Premier League this season, and would probably benefit if those chances came when not as the number nine.
If the desire is to drop Jackson though, it could be a fantastic opportunity for Guiu to establish himself as a serious threat for minutes going forwards.