Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus is currently training with the Brazilian national team, as they prepare to face Argentina and South Korea in the coming days.
When playing the South American rivals, the striker will be meeting some of his club teammates such as Sergio Aguero and Nicolas Otamendi.
That was one of the subjects in his press conference on Wednesday, with Gabriel Jesus speaking about the rivalry between the Manchester City players when defending their countries.
“Always good to play a classic of this greatness. Brazil and Argentina is the greatest classic of football. Always a very hard game, with stars on the other side as well. Hopefully it’s a good show and hopefully we will be victorious,” said Gabriel Jesus (via Globo Esporte).
“I spoke to Otamendi, I was mocking him. Said if he bumped on me I would give it back (laughs). When we are together in the club we swim in the same direction. Now I defend my country, they their country. Let them do their best there, but here it’s a rivalry.”
Gabriel Jesus is still 22, which means he’ll be able to play at the Olympics next year. But he says the situation is different this time, since it’s Manchester City who will decide if he can join the U23 squad or not. Plus there’s also the Copa America in 2020.
“When I was at Palmeiras and was called for the Olympics, I didn’t defend the first team and was released by the club. Of course I always want to be available. If it’s my choice, I play both. But now is another time. At City, the club is not required to release me. But if you ask me I will do everything to play the Olympics.”
Speaking a little of Pep Guardiola, who he’s been working with for three years now, Gabriel Jesus has thanked the manager for helping his improvement during this time together.
“He tries to get the best from the athlete on the pitch. Obviously goals for the striker is very important, is what keeps you playing, but our team runs a lot. Today I have been playing calmer, calmer football, knowing the right time to intensify, to accelerate.
“Technically I’ve evolved a lot. I’ve been learning a lot from him after three years. He likes to work with young people, to teach young people. I am so grateful that he chose me.”
