Chelsea faces Bayern Munich in the Champions League, marked by Nicolas Jackson’s return to prove his worth after his Chelsea departure. The match features tactical intrigue between coaches Enzo Maresca and Vincent Kompany, with players like Michael Olise adding to the challenge for Chelsea, who aim to replicate their historic 2012 victory at the Allianz Arena.
The Allianz Arena, a venue etched in Chelsea's history as the site of their first Champions League triumph, sets the stage for a compelling encounter. As they return to this hallowed ground, Enzo Maresca's side faces not only a formidable Bayern Munich team but also a reunion with a former player eager to demonstrate the Blues' misjudgment in letting him go: Nicolas Jackson.
Maresca might understandably feel a sense of unease knowing his team must contend with Jackson when they kick off their Champions League campaign against Bayern Munich this Wednesday. Football history is replete with instances of players returning from loan spells to haunt their parent clubs, and Jackson will undoubtedly be brimming with motivation as he lines up against Chelsea, just weeks after his loan move.
The striker harbors a burning desire to prove his worth, especially given the circumstances surrounding his transfer. Initially, the move seemed straightforward when Jackson boarded a flight to Germany on August 30. Bayern had reached an agreement to secure him on loan with an option to buy. However, the situation took a dramatic turn when Liam Delap suffered a hamstring injury during a match against Fulham. Consequently, the deal was called off. Delap's injury was serious, and Chelsea were unwilling to risk heading into a demanding autumn schedule with João Pedro as their sole fit striker.
Yet, Jackson was adamant about not returning to play second fiddle to João Pedro, who had essentially taken his place after arriving from Brighton in June. He remained in Bavaria, and his persistence paid off as new negotiations resulted in Bayern agreeing to sign the Senegal international. The deal includes a €65 million (£56 million) obligation to buy, which will be activated if he reaches a certain number of appearances.
Ultimately, common sense prevailed. Chelsea had little to gain from keeping an unhappy player, particularly after previously indicating their willingness to sell. Jackson's mindset would have been far from ideal had he returned to London. His previous conduct, such as a reckless red card during Chelsea's defeat to Flamengo in the Club World Cup group stage, highlighted his discontent.
It came as no surprise when Maresca's patience wore thin after Jackson's second dismissal in three games. However, the question remains whether Chelsea have left themselves short. Marc Guiu, who was recalled from a brief loan spell at Sunderland, was not included in the squad for the draw at Brentford last Saturday. Jackson's departure, coupled with Delap's injury, creates a void in the squad. Jackson, who joined from Villarreal two years ago, was not without merit. While his finishing could be erratic, he managed to score 24 goals in 65 Premier League appearances, formed a good connection with Cole Palmer, and often proved a difficult opponent for centre-backs. As Maresca himself stated in April, "My perfect No 9 is exactly Nicolas Jackson."
As it turned out, Vincent Kompany was also an admirer. Bayern sought cover for Harry Kane and have acquired a versatile option. Jackson is capable of playing in wide positions and featured alongside Kane in his debut as a half-time substitute against Hamburg last Saturday.
Becoming more clinical in front of goal is undoubtedly a primary objective for the 24-year-old. He will undoubtedly benefit from closely observing Kane's training methods. Bayern, meanwhile, are keen to exploit Jackson's knowledge of Chelsea. There have been reports in Germany that Kompany has sought Jackson's insights into Maresca's tactics and instructions.
This fixture is laden with intrigue. Chelsea's return to the Champions League after a two-year hiatus brings them back to the stadium where they achieved their first triumph, evoking memories of their unexpected victory over Bayern on their home turf in 2012. Maresca's players should not feel inferior. While Frank Lampard's Chelsea were outclassed by Hansi Flick's Bayern in the last 16 five years ago, Maresca's team travels to Germany as world champions, having invested heavily in their talented young squad.
It promises to be a fascinating tactical duel between two disciples of Pep Guardiola. Maresca may well employ the strategy that confounded Paris Saint‑Germain in the Club World Cup final, with Palmer drifting to the right and Reece James joining Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo in a formidable midfield. The question is, can Kompany find an effective response? Despite leading Bayern to the league title in his first season, Kompany still has doubters in England. Burnley's underwhelming Premier League campaign under his guidance is not easily dismissed, although it is worth noting that the former Manchester City player has admirers at Chelsea. They considered appointing him on two occasions: first, when they sacked Graham Potter in April 2023, and again when they sought a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino a year later, ultimately opting for Maresca.
The primary concern surrounding Kompany, who joined Bayern a week before Chelsea appointed Maresca, was whether he possessed sufficient tactical flexibility. Bayern, however, have had no such reservations. They scored 99 league goals last season and will unleash a varied attack on Chelsea. Luis Díaz, formerly of Liverpool, poses a familiar threat. Michael Olise, who will challenge Marc Cucurella on the right flank, adds another layer of intrigue to the game.
Olise has had to work diligently since departing Chelsea's academy at the age of 14. His path has not been straightforward, but the 23-year-old has matured and could easily have returned to Chelsea. They attempted to trigger his release clause at Crystal Palace in 2023 but were pipped to his signature by Bayern a year later.
Olise represents a player who slipped through their grasp. He has flourished at Bayern, contributing goals, assists, and dazzling skill. Chelsea will need to be at their best to contain him. Kompany, Jackson, and Olise will all be determined to demonstrate to Chelsea what they are missing.