Pep’s praise for getting deal done

PEP Guardiola praised his City bosses after Gabriel Jesus signed an improved deal at the club.

The Brazilian is now contracted until 2023 but comes into the season on the back of criticism from sections of the Brazilian media for his goalless efforts at the World Cup.

City’s manager was not interested in the treatment both Jesus and team-mate Fernandinho – whose only start in the tournament came in the 2-1 quarter-final defeat to Belgium – have been given because of the different environment that exists at City .

And he was grateful for the ‘perfect’ strategy that has seen the Manchester club again able to hold off interest from any other suitors for Jesus, having beaten Real Madrid and Barcelona to sign him in the first place.

“I feel they are so comfortable here,” he said.

“Fernandinho last season extended his contract and now Gabriel has and I think the strategy of the club is perfect we cannot give Gabriel out to another club because he is so young.

“He has improved a lot since he came, his courage, his fight to put every effort for the team.

“I have never met a striker who fights like him for the team, and he is able to improve, he will improve. He is one of those people who always thinks I can do better.

“He’s so young and he can improve.”