Jesus goes on the record for Sergio
GABRIEL JESUS says Sergio Aguero deserves to secure his place in Manchester City’s history.
Aguero needs one goal in tonight’s Carabao Cup home tie against Championship leaders Wolves to move ahead of pre-war hero Eric Brook and become the club’s all-time record scorer.
And despite the traditional rivalry at international level between Brazil and Argentina, Jesus has hailed Aguero’s contribution since moving to City for £38 million from Atletico Madrid in 2011 plus the help and support he has received from the Argentinian since joining him at the Etihad Stadium in January.
Jesus said: “It’s very important in a player’s career, especially a striker, to score a lot of goals. I support him and hope he can beat the record as soon as possible. He deserves to become the top scorer.
“I get on with Sergio very well. He’s an amazing guy. All know what type of player he is. He’s a fantastic person and I’m a fan of his. When you have a good relationship off the pitch, it’s easier to bring it on to the pitch.
“We help each other and that helps Manchester City. We both defend the shirt of this club, so we pull together on the pitch, the same way we get along off the pitch.”
While Aguero aims for the goal that will give him the outright record – he and Brook both have 177 – Jesus will be out to continue his remarkable personal record of being unbeaten for club and country for a year. The last time the Brazilian youngster tasted defeat was on October 29 last year when former club Palmeiras lost 1-0 at Santos.
Since then he has proved a lucky omen for City and Brazil – who easily qualified for next summer’s World Cup – but was quick to pay tribute to his club and country team-mates as well as the influence boss Pep Guardiola.
He said: “I’m very happy to have been all this time without losing a game. But it’s not only down to me, it’s thanks to the team-mates I’ve played with at Palmeiras, the Brazilian national team and now Manchester City.
“I’m very happy to achieve that milestone of a whole year without a defeat. But I must keep working hard in training and performing in the games. “Pep’s a winner. His character has helped him win everything in his career. I’m very happy to have the opportunity to be coached by a great manager and person.”
Guardiola will ring the changes for tonight’s fourthround tie to give some squad players valuable game time.
Claudio Bravo, Danilo, Yaya Toure, Eliaquim Mangala, Ilkay Gundogan, Tosin Adarabioyo and Alex Zinchenko will all feature as of City City bid for a 12th consecutive win in all competitions.
Wolves’ Senegal star Alfred N’Diaye, on loan from Villarreal, is keen to steer clear of making comparisons between City and the Molineux club, even though his side are currently setting the Championship alight.
Both have mega-wealthy owners, both have spent big in pursuit of making their mark this season and both are being lauded for their free-flowing attacking football.
Midfielder N’Diaye said: “It’s totally different but this club’s ambition is to get into the Premier League. City are full of top-quality players. But we are not overawed. I hope one day this club can be compared to City but that’s not yet, or next year. Our first ambition is to make the step up into the Premier League.”
CITY midfielder Bernardo Silva will not be punished for alleged ‘diving’ to win a penalty in the win over Burnley after a review of the incident by an FA panel.