CITY Brazil’s gift of Gab to lead line in Russia
BRAZIL national team manager Tite has confirmed he plans to start Gabriel Jesus in this summer’s World Cup – even though he believes Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino has had a better season.
Jesus netted 17 goals for City this campaign despite seeing his titlewinning season hampered by a serious knee injury.
Meanwhile, Firmino has been a key cog in the Liverpool side, scoring 26 goals for Jurgen Klopp’s team, as they finished in the Premier League top-four and have a Champions League final date with Real Madrid on the horizon.
And although Tite has healthy competition on the attacking front, he believes Jesus’ past performances in a central role make him the ideal man to lead the line for the Seleção in Russia this summer.
“It is true that Firmino did better than Gabriel Jesus, who was injured in the season,” Tite confessed. “But Gabriel in the Seleção plays very well. So yes, today he is our No.9.”
As well as trusting Jesus to lead the attacking line for his country this summer, Tite also revealed the 21-year-old could captain the side in their upcoming international friendlies.
Brazil face both Croatia and Austria in matches ahead of the trip to Russia, and Tite is considering which player will possess the armband after injuries to Neymar and Dani Alves.
He continued: “All of the starters, including Willian, Thiago Silva, Felipe Luis, Fernandinho, who are players who have constantly entered the team, they have already been captains. The only one who has not yet been captain is Gabriel Jesus.
“It may be that Gabriel Jesus appears as captain in one of these two friendly games. Although not defined, we will decide and will continue to make this rotation, which is a way of extending leadership and technical leadership styles. But the captain who would replace Dani has not yet been defined.”
Speaking last month Jesus admitted the competition with Firmino can be beneficial to his country as they chase a record sixth World Cup title.
Of the competition for places Jesus told ESPN Brazil: “In fact, this is good for me, for Firmino and for the national team. Then there’s no way to cheer against a teammate. Of course I’m going to cheer against his team, but never against him. I’m happy with his season, with everything he’s been doing. It makes me happy and gives me more strength.
“I pray for of him and I hope he realises all his dreams. I hope that he arrives very well, very strong to compete in the World Cup. This will help him, me and the national team.” Brazil manager Tite