Pep Guardiola heaped praise on striker Gabriel Jesus after his scintillating performance against Norwich City.
On the one hand, the transfer market is busy dishing out stories linking Manchester City to Harry Kane, while the club’s current No.9 got the team off to winning ways. Gabriel Jesus produced a man-of-the-match performance against Norwich City in the Premier League.
Man City thrashed the Canaries 5-0 at the Etihad, and Jesus had a direct hand in three goals. His cross ended up into the back of the net via Norwich keeper Tim Krul for the opener while he set up goals for new signing Jack Grealish and Raheem Sterling later in the game.
Jesus has been in the news after being linked with a move away from the club; Man City are reportedly willing to sell players, including Jesus, to fund a move for Kane. With the saga for the Tottenham striker set to drag until transfer deadline day, Jesus is out there proving his worth.
The Brazilian has been a solid player for Man City until now, although he constantly operated under the shadow of former star Sergio Aguero. However, since the Argentine’s departure, Jesus might have thought he had a chance, only for the club to chase the Spurs striker.
However, after the Norwich win, Pep Guardiola was on hand to praise the efforts of the Brazilian. The Independent posted quotes from the Catalan manager’s post-match comments.
Guardiola said, “If I should answer all the rumours in the media, we need five press conferences. The moment I tell you I don’t like Gabriel, then we can talk about it. He has so much importance for me. It’s not just when he makes an exceptional performance like today; it’s every day. He deserves to continue playing; when a guy plays in this way, he deserves to play again.
“He is a player who likes to play more wide than central positions. One of the reasons why I am a manager in the best moments of my career, apart from the titles and trophies, is because you can work with people, humans like Gabriel. He never complains. He never disrespects his teammates. If he plays five minutes, he plays the best five minutes he can do. Play right; he is happy; play central he is happy; play left, he is happy.
“The combination with Kyle (Walker) was exceptional. I am very pleased with the performance he has made, an incredibly important player for us; he is so young. Big congrats because he deserves in life the best because he is so generous. I am incredibly satisfied.”
So has Guardiola, with those comments, indicated that Jesus could be his first-choice forward for the season? Or a move for Harry Kane could be off? We don’t think so, although Jesus’ performance highlights what he can provide for the team this season, even if Man City doesn’t end up signing the Spurs striker.
