Cucurella says Jackson ‘needs to improve’ his discipline after another red card as striker issues apology | OneFootball

Nicolas Jackson was sent off in Chelsea’s 3-1 defeat to Flamengo in the Club World Cup, and it was not the first red card the Senegalese striker has received of late.

He was also sent off for a straight red after an elbow against Newcastle in the Premier League run-in last season when Chelsea were going for Champions League qualification, which they still managed to achieve.

This one was perhaps not as damaging, but is a worrying sign that Jackson is struggling with his discipline.

And team-mate Marc Cucurella admits Jackson must work on that side of the game: “He’s very sad, I think he tried to win the ball. He’s a young player who has a lot of quality. He needs to improve a little bit with these kind of things but we are here to learn and move forward.

“After the manager spoke he said sorry and that he didn’t do it on purpose. He’s a very important player for us and we will miss him in the next game but that’s football.”

Jackson himself posted on social media straight after the game, saying: “I want to say sorry. To the club, the staff, my teammates, and all the fans watching, I let you down. Another red card… and honestly, I’m so angry at myself.

“I work hard every day to help the team not to put us in this kind of situation. I still don’t fully understand how it happened. But one thing is clear: it wasn’t intentional. Just a football moment that went the wrong way.

“No excuses. I take full responsibility.

“I’ll reflect, I’ll grow, and I’ll come back stronger for the badge and for everyone who believes in me. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry.”

Jackson faces stiff competition with the arrival of Liam Delap to the club, but he would hope that the decision for who will be the main striker will be based on performances.

But if he keeps making mistakes like this, the decision may be taken out of Maresca’s hands.