Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has come to the defense of Chelsea loanee Nicolas Jackson.
Since his arrival on a season-long loan at the beginning of last month, the Senegalese striker has faced criticism in the media.
The 24-year-old has made nine appearances for the Bundesliga champions, scoring two goals, both in the Champions League.
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As he gears up for Wednesday’s German Cup second-round match against Cologne, Kompany expressed confidence in Jackson’s contributions.
“I see Nicolas Jackson differently than the public does; scoring more goals will settle the debate,” Kompany stated at a press conference on Tuesday. “In my view, he has already made significant contributions.”
This season, Bayern has posted a remarkable 13 consecutive victories across all competitions.
With regular starters like Michael Olise, Luis Díaz, and leading scorer Harry Kane each contributing, Jackson faces stiff competition from players like Serge Gnabry and 17-year-old Lennart Karl.
“No one is guaranteed a starting position; I dislike the term ‘shoo-in’ because earning minutes requires performance,” Kompany remarked. As Bayern prepares to host Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga on Saturday, followed by a Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain next Tuesday, he added, “We consider various factors regarding who might complement that trio [[Olise, Díaz, and Kane]: performance, tactics, and team dynamics.
“Those three alone won’t suffice in our upcoming matches; we will need support from the other players too.”
Aside from the suspended goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and long-term absentees Alphonso Davies, Hiroki Ito, and Jamal Musiala, Kompany is pleased to have a fully fit squad.
Cologne currently sits eighth in the Bundesliga, having accumulated 11 points from eight matches.
“They have performed well, especially defensively,” Kompany noted. “I admire their urgency in closing down spaces to limit shots and crosses.
“They’re also quite effective on counterattacks and have caused problems for many teams. Their strategy involves solid central defense, which allows for dangerous counterattacks.
“Playing at home, they believe they have a chance, but we are heading to Cologne with a strong desire to advance in this cup match.”