Nicolas Jackson’s loan from Chelsea was extremely divisive among Bayern Munich fans, particularly the €65m obligation to buy. However, after details emerged revealing the Senegalese striker would have to start 40 games for the German side for the clause to be triggered, the fan base slowly warmed up to the idea of the Jackson in a Bayern jersey.
Since his arrival in Munich, the 24-year-old striker has been by no means bad, scoring five and assisting one across 525 minutes of football. A contribution that hasn’t gone unnoticed by 39-year-old Bayern manager, Vincent Kompany.
”I have a very positive impression of Nicolas,” declared Kompany (via @iMiaSanMia). “He’s helped us a lot – his goals-per-minute ratio is good. Of course, with Harry Kane up front, you have a bit of competition, and that’s part of the game. So, as a coach, it’s a real luxury to see how Nicolas is handling that. What many people don’t see is what Nicolas does in training and every time he comes on. Against Sporting, I was planning to sub him on, but then Lenny scored, and I had a completely different game plan. Hopefully, he’ll continue to capitalize on the chances he gets.”
However, as Jackson prepares to represent Senegal on the international stage, Bayern will lose the loanee for the biennial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Among sharing details on when he expects Jackson to depart for AFCON, the Belgian manager emphasized the tournament’s importance for African players — an opinion that isn’t shared universally among football managers.
”My understanding is that he will travel after the game against Mainz,” Kompany shared (via @MiaSanMia). “We hope he goes as far as possible. Of course, I hope Congo will win the cup, but otherwise I wish him all the best. The importance of this competition for African players shouldn’t be underestimated.”
While not a starter, Jackson’s presence off the bench and as a depth piece will be sorely missed. Bayern will have to do without ‘Nico’ for a maximum six games should Senegal make it all the way to the AFCON final. A blow that is, at least somewhat, softened by the Bundesliga’s upcoming ‘Winterpause’.
