Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus may have started the game against Arsenal on the bench, but it didn’t stop him from scoring an important goal during the 3-1 win at the Eithad on Sunday.
As Pep Guardiola has been opting to start games using only one striker, the Brazilian has been dropped from the team, but is fighting hard not to lose his importance to the squad.
After the win against the Gunners, Jesus spoke to ESPN Brasil about it, and explained his motivation hasn’t changed despite the manager’s decision.
“I’ve always been a professional, an athlete above anything else. I always gave my everything, I always had my head in place. I’ve been doing a good job, I’ve been training very hard, regardless of whether I’m playing or not.
“I think this doesn’t result in behaviour change in training or when I come in. I have to prepare myself, I have to train as hard as I have always trained, and I will prepare myself so when I have the opportunity, I don’t let it escape, as it has always been.”
Jesus was also asked if Manchester City can remain unbeaten until the end of the Premier League season, but didn’t want to get carried away: “It’s complicated. It’s a very difficult league, one of the most difficult in the world.”
“It’s hard for you to want to talk about being champions unbeaten. But the moment is very good. We have been doing what the manager and the staff ask for. We’re playing beautiful football, scoring goals. That’s what’s important.”
Currently with nine goals in 16 games, the 20-year-old has been able to repeat his good form after the quick impact he had on arrival to the club in January.
But with Sergio Aguero scoring two goals in the past two matches, it seems the Argentine won’t be dropped anytime soon, so Jesus will need some patience for now.
