Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has opened up about his determination to return to peak form after a frustrating, injury-disrupted 2024/25 season. The Senegal international made a blistering start to the campaign with nine goals by mid-December, but a hamstring injury stalled his momentum.
Now fully back in training and eyeing a return to consistent form, Nicolas Jackson is focused on helping Chelsea finish the season strong under manager Enzo Maresca — a coach he deeply admires and wants to fight for.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 13: Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea looks on during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Ipswich Town FC at Stamford Bridge on April 13, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Here are 5 powerful quotes from Nicolas Jackson that reflect his mindset and commitment to Chelsea’s cause.
#5 – “I need to be at my best”
With Chelsea entering a decisive stage of the season, Nicolas Jackson knows the team needs every player at their top level — and he’s not shying away from that responsibility.
“I need to be at my best, so I’m pushing now and training hard,” said Nicolas Jackson, speaking to Chelsea’s official website.
His words echo a hunger to return stronger than before, showing his readiness to impact games again.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 13: Dara O’Shea of Ipswich Town and Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Ipswich Town FC at Stamford Bridge on April 13, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
#4 – “I’m trying to get back to my level”
After suffering a hamstring injury that sidelined him for weeks, Nicolas Jackson admits the road to recovery hasn’t been easy. But he’s determined to get back to the sharp, clinical forward Chelsea fans saw in the early part of the season.
“It’s not easy to come back from injury… I’m trying to get back to my level, trying to push,” he explained.
That early-season form saw Nicolas Jackson emerge as one of the Blues’ top attacking threats.
#3 – “I just do my work”
Focused and humble, Nicolas Jackson prefers to let his football do the talking. He made it clear that his job is to give everything in training and allow manager Enzo Maresca to make the decisions.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 20: Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Chelsea FC at Craven Cottage on April 20, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
“I just do my work… I hope he is playing me and believing in me. I’m very happy with that,” he said.
#2 – “I know what I can do and what I cannot do”
Confidence and self-awareness are two things Nicolas Jackson doesn’t lack. The Chelsea forward understands his strengths and limitations — and that honesty may be part of what makes him so coachable.
“I know what I can do and what I cannot do,” he said, adding that Maresca also recognizes his capabilities on the pitch.
#1 – “I want to fight for him [Maresca]”
Perhaps the most revealing quote of all, Nicolas Jackson expressed strong loyalty to manager Enzo Maresca, who has shown belief in him during his comeback.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 20: Joachim Andersen of Fulham heads the ball as Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea attempts to kick during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Chelsea FC at Craven Cottage on April 20, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
“I want to fight for him and try to make him be where he wants to be — and where the club wants to be,” Jackson said.
This kind of backing and motivation could be crucial for both player and club heading into the final stretch of the campaign.
The 2024/25 season hasn’t gone exactly to plan for Nicolas Jackson, but with key fixtures ahead and the full backing of his manager, the stage is set for a strong finish. If the Senegalese forward can regain his rhythm, Chelsea’s top-four hopes could get a timely boost.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 20: Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea in action during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Chelsea FC at Craven Cottage on April 20, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images)
Fans will be hoping that the Nicolas Jackson they saw earlier in the season — the one who terrorized defences and led the line with confidence — is back for good.