Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has thrown down the gauntlet to Nicolas Jackson ahead of tonight’s UEFA Europa Conference League final against Real Betis, insisting the striker owes his teammates a performance after his costly red card earlier this month.

Jackson was sent off during Chelsea’s crucial Premier League clash against Newcastle United, a moment that left the Blues a man down for an hour in what Maresca described as “the most important game” of their season.

While Jackson is now eligible to feature in tonight’s final, Maresca made it clear he expects the 23-year-old to make amends.

“I hope so,” Maresca said when asked if Jackson would be seeking redemption.

“I hope so because I think Nico is in debt with his teammates. And the reason why is because in that moment, Newcastle away was for us the most important game. And he left his teammates with ten players for one hour. So for sure he’s in debt.”

It’s a candid assessment from the Chelsea boss, but also one laced with belief in his striker’s character and talent.

“For sure he’s a good guy. For sure he recognised the mistake. He apologised to his teammates. That is very important. And I’m sure that tomorrow he’s going to do a very good game for us.”

Tonight’s showdown in Wroclaw is Chelsea’s final hurdle in their Europa Conference League journey — a competition that’s provided the club with a valuable platform to develop under Maresca. And the Italian manager believes it’s another moment for his players to prove their hunger for success.

“Now we have to prove ourselves tomorrow that we can win the title,” Maresca said.

“We played many games this season in this competition. Now we have just one more. But for sure, me personally, but the message for the players is exactly the same. Every day is a chance to prove that we want to improve. And we want to compete for important titles.”

With silverware and history on the line, all eyes will be on Jackson to repay the faith — and the debt — with a performance worthy of the occasion. Chelsea fans will be hoping he delivers.