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An journey to the Allianz Arena stirs fond memories for the Blues, reminding them of their historic 2012 UCL win. Yet this match offers a subplot: a face-off with the Senegalese striker, a forward keen to show that his former club were wrong in allowing his departure.

Incentive Is Strong for Jackson

Maybe Chelsea’s manager could experience uneasy if the Blues encounter their former striker when they begin their Champions League campaign against the Bavarian giants. One can find plenty of instances of players on loan coming back to torment their former team in this tournament, and Jackson is full of incentive if he features against the London club only a few weeks after departing.

A Deal Full of Tension

The striker is out to show his worth, especially after the turmoil surrounding his move. Everything appeared straightforward when Jackson headed to Bavaria on the morning of. Bayern had secured a deal to bring him in on a temporary move with an option to buy, only for the situation to shift when Liam Delap sustained a muscle problem shortly after. The deal was off. Delap’s injury was serious, and Chelsea did not want to risk on heading into a packed fall schedule with only one available forward.

Yet the Senegal international had little desire in coming back to be a backup to João Pedro. He remained in Germany and was compensated for his determination when fresh talks resulted in Bayern agreeing to sign him, including a £56m obligation to purchase that comes into effect if he reaches a agreed number of games played.

Sense Took Over

Chelsea had little to gain from forcing an unsettled player, especially after previously stating they were open to let him go. The forward would not have been in a ideal frame of mind if he had returned to Stamford Bridge. Indications had hardly been positive during the Club World Cup. An unnecessary dismissal moments after being substituted on during Chelsea’s defeat by Flamengo was indicative of Jackson’s state of mind.

No one was shocked that the manager’s patience ran out after the player’s another sending-off in a handful of games. The question, however, is whether Chelsea have left a gap. Marc Guiu, brought back from a short loan at Sunderland, was not on the bench for the draw at Brentford. His exit leaves a hole with Delap out. Jackson, brought in from Villarreal two years ago, was far from a failure. His goal conversion was erratic but he bagged two dozen strikes in 65 top-flight games, formed a partnership with Cole Palmer, and was often a handful for defenders. “My perfect No 9 is exactly Nicolas Jackson,” Maresca said in April.

The Bayern Boss Also A Fan

It soon transpired that Bayern’s manager was also a admirer. The German champions wanted backup for their main striker and have secured a adaptable option. Jackson is capable of shifting wide and featured with Kane when he first appeared as a second-half replacement against a Bundesliga side recently.

Improving his finishing is the obvious goal for the 24-year-old. Ideally, he can learn from the prolific forward in training. Bayern, meanwhile, are looking to leverage his knowledge of Chelsea. Reports suggest speculation in Germany of the manager asking the player for tips about the Chelsea boss’s system and instructions.

A Fixture Full of Spice

This is a game with an edge. Chelsea’s return to the Champions League after a 24-month hiatus takes them to the stadium where they won it for the first time, stirring thoughts of their 2012 triumph over Bayern in their own backyard. The manager’s squad should not have an lack of belief. Frank Lampard’s side were outclassed when they faced Hansi Flick’s team in the last 16 back in 2020, but Maresca’s team travel to Bavaria as Club World Cup winners and have spent significantly in their young group.

Fascinating Tactical Duel Looms

This looks like an captivating tactical duel between two the Manchester City boss protégés. It would not be a surprise if Maresca uses the system that flummoxed PSG in the CWC decider, with the playmaker pushing to the right and Reece James linking up with Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo in a dominant engine room. Can the Bayern coach adapt? The Belgian claimed the league in his debut season at the club but has his skeptics in the UK. Burnley’s disappointing top-flight campaign under him is not quickly overlooked, though it is worth pointing out that the ex- Manchester City player has supporters at Stamford Bridge. The club have twice considered hiring him: first when they dismissed Graham Potter, then when they were looking to replace another coach and ended up going for the current boss.

The main concern around Kompany, who signed for Bayern a week before the London club appointed their gaffer, was whether he was tactically versatile enough. Bayern have had no such complaints. They netted 99 Bundesliga goals last season and will unleash a diverse offense at the visitors. Luis Díaz, a former Liverpool player, is a familiar threat. Michael Olise, who will challenge a Chelsea defender on the right, is one more of the game’s storylines.

The Winger: One Who Got Away

The winger has had to work hard since leaving Chelsea’s academy when he was a teenager. His path has not been simple but the youngster has developed and could easily have landed back at Stamford Bridge. They tried to activate his buyout option at Crystal Palace in 2023 and were beaten to his signature by Bayern a later.

The talented wide man is one who got away. He has flourished at Bayern, providing strikes, key passes and impressive skill. Chelsea will have to be at their top level. Kompany, Jackson and the winger will be out to show them what they let go.