It’s hard to describe what’s happening with the Brazilian Olympic football team right now, after 0-0 draws against modest opponents. The squad, which is full of starlets, still couldn’t score any goals. And as the fans’ patience came to an end, there’s more pressure on the player’s shoulders.
On Sunday, as Brazil drew 0-0 against Iraq, Gabriel Jesus was subbed off in the second half. As the new Manchester City player is one of those who are having a disappointing tournament, he was booed by the crowd.
He already had a bad match against South Africa, when he missed a sitter and said he “wouldn’t be able to sleep” after the game.
With him being the Brazilian League top scorer, the question was pretty obvious: Is the move to Manchester City distracting you right now?
Gabriel got mad at the reporter (via Terra): “No, man. I don’t know why you ask me this all the time. There’s no such thing for me, I’ve played in the amateurs, which is heavy, and nothing hindered me.
“What happened was a good thing from God, it won’t hinder me. When I was at Palmeiras, scoring goals, – and it was more complicated because there were negotiations with lots of clubs – they didn’t ask me that question. You have to understand that, just as in other professions, there are days when we can’t do our best.
“We know it’s only missing the goal. Particularly, I’m upset with myself for not being good, not scoring goals, because a striker lives from that. But I understand it won’t always be how we want it, it will never be easy.”
Players like Neymar, Gabigol and Felipe Anderson haven’t been playing well either, but Gabriel Jesus is barely touching the ball. It’s hard to say if it’s the tactical system’s fault or just their bad form, but a tournament which would supposedly value these youngsters is only giving them a hard time, with very few exceptions.
The Brazilian crowd, which we can’t describe as supporters, aren’t helping either.
