Pep resurrects Jesus for City
PEP GUARDIOLA is ready to re-launch Gabriel Jesus into the Premier League in an effort to sew up the consolation prize of Champions League qualification for Manchester City.
The Brazilian youngster signed for £27 million last summer but after his arrival was initially delayed until January, he sustained a broken metatarsal after just three starts.
It has left Guardiola lamenting what might have been ahead of a crucial five-game run-in which starts with today’s trip to Middlesbrough.
“We saw in his first game against Tottenham that he made an impact in just eight minutes,” said the City boss.
“We saw this week against Manchester United, after three months out, his impact in five minutes.
“Always I will have in my mind what would have happened if we’d had him all season.
“But he couldn’t come before January and when he did arrive his impact was instant, but he could just play for three weeks.
“I don’t know what would have happened if he could have played a lot of games up front with Sergio Aguero.
“I will never know, but in many of those games we missed chances and Gabriel has an instinct in the box.
“Sergio had scored in the last 11 games until the derby so his numbers are there.
“But I would like to see him with another guy to help take the pressure off.
“Gabriel is the No.9 for Brazil. Everyone knows how special he is. He is dynamic, aggressive in attacking the penalty area and the midfield players can see how he goes for the press. His influence is huge.
“We are so happy he is back. He has had just two training sessions after three months out, but he is physically strong and I’m sure he’s going to help us until the end of the season.
“You cannot compete with the big teams and be in Europe without big players in your squad.”