No fears over over City’s teenage Jesus

PEP GUARDIOLA is in no doubt that new teenage sensation Gabriel Jesus is tough enough to stand up to the physical demands of the Premier League.

The 19-year-old was bought from Palmeiras for £27m last August but allowed to remain there until last month so he could help them win the Brazilian championship.

Guardiola didn’t hesitate to bring him straight into the team when he arrived and even chose him ahead of Sergio Aguero at West Ham in midweek.

The youngster repaid his manager’s faith with his first goal and is certain to be involved again against Swansea this afternoon as City look to build on some improved performances.

“Always when you buy a player you are expecting him to adapt quickly but you never know until he starts to play,” says Guardiola.

“We cannot forget it’s just three games – two games and nine minutes – so it’s not enough, but we knew he was physically strong and that he’s a fighter.

“The Brazilian guys are physical. People talk about the technical skills but I played with many Brazilians at Barcelona and I’ve managed many Brazilians. The biggest quality they have is how strong they are.

“Fernandinho and Fernando are good examples of that. How strong their bodies are is amazing.

“Before we signed him we saw him many, many times so we didn’t have doubts about his physical approach.

“He’s a striker for the national team of Brazil. To be a striker for Brazil is not so simple!

“There are many Brazilians who are huge players but who are not playing. He’s playing so that means a lot.

“He arrived here and after one or two days he asked for a teacher so he could start to learn English.

“That’s a good sign for us. It means he can be involved because when people are talking on and off the pitch he can understand it.”

The player himself reveals that it was Guardiola’s personal touch that helped persuade him City was the right club for him.

“When I took the decision to come here, the manager’s phone call was very important,” he says.

“He spoke to me about the project and explained that I was going to be an important part of it.

“That was a huge influence. He was the only manager who called me. There were some clubs interested in me, but Guardiola was the only one who called.

“He showed his interest in having me here, that I was going to come here to help, that he was counting on me.

“He’s crazy about football, like me. 24 hours a day. When I’m not training or playing, I’m watching football or watching something football related on my phone, or playing football video games or learning about our next rival.”