A major rift has erupted at Chelsea's Cobham training ground, threatening to derail Nicolas Jackson's potential summer move to German giants Bayern Munich.
The incident occurred just days into Enzo Maresca's tenure as the new Chelsea head coach. The 23-year-old Senegalese striker, Nicolas Jackson, reportedly infuriated the Italian manager by taking an unauthorised trip to Paris without securing the club's official permission.
Maresca, who is keen to instil a strict disciplinary code from the outset, is said to have been furious with Jackson's actions. The striker's excursion to the French capital is believed to have been connected to negotiations over a potential transfer to Bayern Munich, who are managed by former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel.
Maresca's New Regime Faces Immediate Test
Sources close to the club indicate that Maresca confronted Jackson upon his return, delivering a stern reprimand for his conduct. The new boss is determined to set a precedent and ensure all players are fully committed to his project, regardless of ongoing transfer speculation.
This public dressing-down has thrown a significant spanner in the works for Jackson's proposed move. Bayern Munich's interest in the striker is genuine, with Thomas Tuchel a known admirer of his talents. However, the German club will be wary of a player who has already caused friction with his current manager so early in the pre-season.
What This Means for Jackson's Chelsea Future
The confrontation places a large question mark over Jackson's future at Stamford Bridge. If a move to Bavaria fails to materialise, he will be left to repair a fractured relationship with a manager who values discipline above all else.
This early test of authority for Maresca demonstrates his no-nonsense approach to management. How he handles this situation will be closely watched by the entire Chelsea squad and could define the early stages of his reign in West London.
