Nicolas Jackson has revealed what Sadio Mane said about Mauricio Pochettino ahead of his switch to Chelsea this summer. The 22-year-old striker, who signed an eight-year contract at Stamford Bridge, joined the Blues from Villarreal in a deal worth around £32million.
Before the summer transfer window opened, Chelsea were being linked with big-money moves for the likes of Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen. But, with the west Londoners launching a new data-driven approach to recruitment, Jackson was identified as a shrewd alternative.
The Senegal international featured 14 times for the Yellow Submarine in the first half of last season before suffering an injury – in this time he directly contributed towards four goals and played a major role in a win over Atletico Madrid. His performances caught the eye of Bournemouth, who almost signed him in January.
Upon his return from the sidelines in the new year, Jackson scored 10 goals in his final 12 games of the La Liga campaign, winning the player of the month award in May. It was during this period where he caught the eye of Chelsea – and, like they say, the rest is history.
In an interview with the Blues' official website upon his unveiling at Stamford Bridge, Jackson revealed that he sought advice from Mane, as well as a Chelsea icon. The dynamic striker said: "I spoke to Sadio Mane about him and he spoke very highly of [Pochettino], he said amazing things about him.
"Sadio told me the manager is going to help me a lot to improve and do well if I listen to what he has to tell me, so that is exactly what I'm going to do."
Jackson was also inspired to join Chelsea because of Didier Drogba and fellow countryman Demba Ba. The Blues ace added: "I watched English football when I was in Africa and now I am here, so it's a good feeling for me.
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"I grew up watching the Premier League because for me it is the best league in the world, so I love the Premier League and I know a lot about it and Chelsea. I met Demba when I went to Senegal with the national team and wanted to ask him about Chelsea when I saw him during the last international break, but I couldn't because there were too many people around.
"So, I decided to wait and text him about it once I have signed for Chelsea and send him the shirt I wore for my signing, too," Jackson added. "I wanted to join a big team and Chelsea is one of the best teams in the world, plus I've watched them since I was young. I watched Demba Ba, Didier Drogba, Nicolas Anelka [of France] was good too, big players."
