Pochettino defends Jackson following Shearer criticism

Mauricio Pochettino has defended the form of Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson.

Summer signing Jackson, 22, has scored only three goals in 11 appearances for the Blues this term.

His blank against Brentford last Saturday drew criticism from former Newcastle hitman Alan Shearer.

Shearer said: "There was a complete lack of movement from him [Jackson] today.

"To be more prolific you have to get yourself into scoring positions. 

"Goalscorers don't hang around on the edge of the box like he does. It's his job to get on the end of it.

"He looks very raw and at times unsure what to do."

And ahead of Chelsea's Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Blackburn this evening, Jackson's boss leapt to his defence.

Pochettino said: "Nico [Jackson] needs support.

"He's our striker, he's our player and it's about supporting the player.

"Jackson is young, he arrived this season and there are circumstances that didn't help him perform his best.

"We cannot abuse, even if you say, 'Wake up', because I think it's not right.

"He wants to help the team and for different reasons, he's not performing."

Pochettino's men won three on the bounce before dropping points in the home draw to Arsenal and losing 2-0 to the Bees at Stamford Bridge.

The Argentine boss has called for an extra edge from his side as they seek to book their spot in the last eight.

He added: "Fans can criticise us and they're frustrated but they need to analyse the situation.

"We need to improve and to be more competitive, more nasty.

"That is experience, team experience, as a team we need more patience.

"We need to be competitive. I feel the responsibility and we are Chelsea, we need to win this type of game."