Mikel Obi Vs Nicolas Jackson: Michael Essien calls for understanding

Caretaker September 21, 2024

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Ghanaian football icon Michael Essien has stepped in to defend Nicolas Jackson, urging for understanding after the Senegalese forward’s public clash with John Obi Mikel over his performance at Chelsea.

Jackson, who joined Chelsea from Villarreal in 2023, faced heavy criticism despite scoring 14 goals in his debut Premier League season, with Mikel—one of Chelsea’s celebrated former players—openly stating that Jackson needed to improve to thrive at the club. Mikel’s comments were met with a fiery response from Jackson, who took to social media to bluntly tell the Nigerian legend to “shut your mouth, don’t talk sh*t; we are killing ourselves for Africa.”

This outburst stirred controversy, dividing opinions among football fans, with many criticizing Jackson for his disrespectful tone, while others understood his frustration.

Speaking on the issue, Essien, a former Chelsea star and a teammate of Mikel during the club’s golden era, offered a measured perspective. While acknowledging that he would have approached things differently, Essien explained how criticism from ex-players can deeply affect current athletes, often leading to emotional reactions.

“We all have our personalities. Some will say it, but for me, I would just ignore it,” Essien told Joy Sports. “Everyone has an opinion, but I think it’s not personal. However, when the criticism comes from ex-players, it hurts the players even more, and then they react.”

Essien’s comments suggest that while Jackson’s reaction may have been hasty, it was rooted in the emotional toll that professional criticism—especially from legends—can have on younger players. He urged for empathy and understanding, offering a voice of reason amid the escalating exchange between Mikel and Jackson.

Mikel, on his part, stood firm on his critique but encouraged Jackson to let his football do the talking. He advised that the best way for the 22-year-old striker to prove his critics wrong was to deliver consistently strong performances on the pitch.