Mauricio Pochettino, the head coach of Chelsea FC, is basking in the recent success of striker Nicolas Jackson, while also deliberating over his options in defense ahead of the FA Cup quarter-final against Leicester City.

Since the beginning of the season, Pochettino has emphasized the need for patience with Chelsea’s young talents, particularly those like Jackson who are adjusting to life in a new club and country. Jackson, who joined from Villarreal last summer, has recently found his scoring touch, netting in each of the last three matches and tallying nine goals in the Premier League and 12 overall.

Pochettino’s faith in Jackson seems to be paying off, with the Senegalese international’s performances drawing comparisons to Chelsea legend Didier Drogba’s debut season. Despite facing initial challenges, Pochettino believes Jackson has the potential to excel at Chelsea and hopes fans will remain patient as he continues to develop.

Switching his attention to defense, Pochettino discussed the competition for places at centre-back, particularly in light of Thiago Silva’s return from injury. While Silva has been a mainstay in Chelsea’s defense, Axel Disasi and Trevoh Chalobah have impressed in his absence, leading Pochettino to make selection decisions based on current form rather than reputation or experience.

Pochettino emphasized the importance of respecting all players while making difficult choices about the starting lineup. Although Silva remains a respected figure within the squad, Pochettino stresses that performance on the pitch is the ultimate criterion for selection.

As Chelsea prepares to face Leicester City in the FA Cup quarter-final, Pochettino faces the challenge of determining the best defensive lineup. With Disasi and Chalobah forming a promising partnership and Levi Colwill working towards his return from injury, Pochettino acknowledges the tough decisions ahead but remains focused on fielding the strongest team possible.

The coming weeks promise more selection dilemmas for Pochettino as Chelsea navigates through various competitions, but with the depth and talent at his disposal, he is confident in his ability to make the right choices for the team’s success.