Madrid game will re-light the season Kompany still has influence with Blues
JESUS CAN’T WAIT FOR SECOND LEG AGAINST REAL
GABRIEL Jesus expects City’s game with Real Madrid to be ‘on fire’ when football makes its return.
The second leg of their Champions League last-16 heavyweight clash has been postponed indefinitely owing to the coronavirus pandemic, but the clubs and UEFA are still expecting the match to be played, with an indication that the competition could pick back up in August.
City have already started processing refunds for fans who had bought tickets for the game, signalling their belief it will have to be played behind closed doors. However, the Brazilian striker is still expecting a ferocious encounter to decide who makes it through to the final eight.
Jesus was a surprise pick ahead of the club’s record goalscorer Sergio Aguero for the first leg, but fully justified Pep Guardiola’s call with a terrific all-round performance.
At the Bernabeu, he believes the Blues did what they have failed to do previously in the Champions League.
“We have the second game against Madrid to come and it will be on fire,” he said.
“The first leg was already and it was a surprise for us, because our game is very offensive.
“Sometimes, in the Champions League, we failed on defending, holding the opponent’s pressure.
“Playing against Real Madrid in the Bernabeu, the first 20, 25 minutes were really hard, Vinicius [Jr] on one side, [Karim] Benzema,
Isco, [Luka] Modric... it was complicated.
“We had a few chances but conceded first. Then we were able to press and turn the game in our favour.”
Jesus has competed with Aguero for the sole central striking position under Guardiola since his arrival at the Etihad in 2017.
In recent months, however, he has found success playing in the same team as the Blues legend from the wide positions.
His switch to the wing peaked at the Bernabeu as he put in a fine performance from the left as City established a 2-1 lead in the tie.
Now, Jesus says he will play wherever he is needed to help the team, building on his early days playing football - although he admitted he still needs to learn some intricacies of Guardiola’s system.
Jesus, who wears the famous No.9 for Brazil, said: “I don’t have a preference, but most of my life I played
as a winger or a second striker, never as a main striker. After 2016 I played a few games like that and after that, I started playing as a classic striker.
“Most of my time so far at City has been as a striker, but I also played several games out wide.
“Against Real Madrid I played on the wing. Usually, when I start as a striker, I naturally tend to go for the flanks.
“Sometimes I get scolded, but I keep doing that!
“At City you need to stay more central because the midfielders create a lot, but I don’t always do that!”
Jesus may get scolded, but he said that Guardiola’s passion and development of young players were the main factors behind his decision to join the club.
“Pep is very intense,” he said. “The main thing you notice is his desire to win, he never drops it but it is for our own good.
“And he likes to work with youngsters and help them develop, that was one of the reasons why I came.
“I was really happy to choose my team correctly, with a very qualified squad, players, coaches.
“The reception I received from everyone at the club and the supporters was perfect as well.”