EPL: I never said Jackson is a bad player – Mikel

John Mikel Obi has discussed the rift between him and Chelsea forward, Nicolas Jackson, DAILY POST reports.

Mikel openly criticised Jackson following the Blues 2-0 opening day defeat to Pep Guardiola‘s Manchester City.

Jackson had a goal ruled out for offside in the encounter and missed two good scoring opportunities.

Mikel said after the game that Chelsea need a striker who can shoot the ball.

Jackson responded by scoring in the West London club 7-2 hammering of Southampton the following week and took to the social media to tell Mikel “to shut up”.

The Senegalese also hit the target in Chelsea’s next game against Crystal Palace.

Mikel has, however, responded again, insisting that he never called the former Villarreal star a bad player.

“I’ve always said what I’ve said about Nicolas Jackson. He is a good player, there is not once I have ever said he is a bad player,” the former Super Eagles captain told beIN Sports.

“The only criticism is his finishing needs to be much better. In terms of giving us what we want, being in the right place at the right time, he does for the team.”

Mikel Obi further said his criticism of Jackson is constructive, but the striker doesn’t see it that way:

“It’s not coming from a bad place, it’s really constructive criticism. But he doesn’t (see it that way). That’s why when he scored, he told me to shut up!”