Despite Manchester City’s home draw against Tottenham Hotspur last Saturday, there were still a lot of positives to take from Gabriel Jesus’ debut.
The Brazilian wonderkid was brought in after 81 minutes, and apart from having a goal ruled offside, he almost managed to make an assist and score a goal only a few seconds after getting on the pitch.
After the game, he was interviewed by João Castelo Branco from ESPN Brasil and spoke about his impressions after playing with Manchester City’s kit for the first time: “Look, I am very happy for debuting here at City’s home. So I’m very glad. Not very happy with the draw, the game was in our hands.
Asked about what the biggest difficulties are, he said: “I think the game speed is very different than in Brazil. So I have to get used to it as quick as possible to be good in every match when I have to chance to play.
“The cold too, but the cold we can handle. It’s a matter of adaptation only. It’s been three weeks I’ve been here, now I have to adapt as quick as possible.”
The reporter mentioned that Guardiola brought him on at a crucial time in the game against a very difficult opponent. Questioned if it shows how the manager trusts him, Jesus said: “Yes, that’s very important for me, for us, players, the confidence from the teammates, the manager, the staff. So I think it’s very important, it made me very calm.
“I came in, I had the misfortune to be offside. In that moment, I stood up and was going to celebrate. But I couldn’t, I heard the stadium in silence, got upset and kicked the corner flag. But it happens, I was a step ahead. Unfortunately I couldn’t score the goal but I’m happy for the debut.”
Signed in a €32m deal from Palmeiras, Gabriel Jesus agreed a contract with Manchester City which will run until 2021.
The 19-year-old arrived in England off the back of a good period in Brazil. For Palmeiras, he won the Brazilian Cup in 2015 and the league in 2016. He also won the Olympic gold for Brazil last year, later getting a his place in the national team’s full side.
