January 30th 2024.
Mauricio Pochettino's team is gearing up for a big game against Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday. The coach has his sights set on starting Nicolas Jackson, despite the fact that the player has just returned from a grueling 10-hour trip from Africa. Jackson was representing Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations, and unfortunately, they were eliminated on Monday after a tough loss to Ivory Coast in a penalty shootout.
Pochettino acknowledges that Jackson's absence has given him the opportunity to try out different tactics with the team. However, he is eager to have the striker back in the starting lineup as soon as possible. The Blues are on a winning streak, having triumphed in their last three Premier League matches in a row, and Pochettino believes that Jackson's presence could give them an even better chance at defeating the league leaders.
When asked if Jackson could potentially start the game at Anfield, Pochettino replied, "We are considering it. It's a possibility. If it means we have even a one percent better chance of winning, we will definitely give it a try. We are waiting to see if he will be available. As we saw in the recent Copa del Rey match, Inaki Williams arrived just hours before and ended up scoring the winning goal for his team. So why can't Jackson do the same for us?"
The talented striker has already scored seven goals in the Premier League this season, and Pochettino believes that his absence has been sorely felt by the team. He explains, "Without him, we have had to get creative and work hard to find a good balance within the team. With players constantly in and out of the lineup, it has been difficult to maintain consistency. But with Nico, we really miss his aggressiveness and his ability to press high and help us recover the ball. Plus, he's been scoring goals for us, which is always a bonus."
Pochettino also admits that he is happy to have Jackson back, but it also comes with a tinge of sadness as Senegal's loss means the end of their journey in the tournament. "Selfishly, I am happy to have him back with us, but of course, I am also sad for him and his team. However, we are focused on our own goals and having Nico back is a big boost for us," he says.
The coach concludes by reflecting on the team's challenges throughout the season. "We have had to constantly adapt and change our tactics due to injuries and absences. But with Nico's return, we hope to have a more consistent lineup and continue our winning streak. Tomorrow could be a big day for us," Pochettino says with a hopeful smile.
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