Enzo Maresca makes Nicolas Jackson feelings perfectly clear amid Chelsea reunion

Enzo Maresca says he's not fussed that Nicolas Jackson is allowed to play against Chelsea. The Blues begin their Champions League campaign on Wednesday evening as they travel to Bayern Munich.

There will be a familiar face on the German side's teamsheet in Jackson, the Senegalese having completed a protracted season-long loan move to the Allianz Arena late in the summer transfer window.

Premier League rules would usually have prevented Jackson from playing against his parent club, but there is no such rule when it comes to the Champions League. Chelsea boss Maresca claims he's not too bothered that Jackson will take to the pitch - and has been full of praise for the striker.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, he said: “I said the other day that I am grateful to Nicolas because if we achieve what we achieved last year, it is because all the players, including Nicolas who was with us. I texted him after he left the club, telling him thanks for last season, wishing him all the best.

“Nicolas is a good guy, he was with us, he was working well. In terms of the rule, for me it is normal. I am from Italy, I played many years in Spain. This rule, when you are on loan, you can play, so for me it is okay.”

Asked why he allowed Jackson to leave the club, Maresca replied: ”Because we both chose two strikers, Liam Delap and Joao Pedro. I think having two strikers is a good number, it is enough.”

Maresca’s opposite number Vincent Kompany has already shared an insight into Jackson’s mindset as he prepares to face his employers. The Bayern boss has claimed that it will be a poignant occasion for the forward.

"We will see tomorrow,” Kompany replied when asked if Jackson would start. “I would be giving a little bit too much away about the team. On the second question [is he ready physically and emotionally], you could see it both ways.

“You could be on the side where you think you want your ex-players to play against you straightaway and he would be given the chance to do something against you. I don’t think it will be black or white but it will certainly be a special game for him.”

Meanwhile, Jackson’s Bayern teammate Harry Kane has also been talking up the forward's qualities. The England captain said: “He's been great so far,

“It was good for him to get 45 minutes on the weekend. He looked sharp and had a couple of half-chances.

“He looked really good in training. He's physically very strong and fast. If he plays tomorrow he'll be eager to impress and get his first Bayern goal. I don't want to put too much pressure on him.”

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