Pep Guardiola insists he has ‘no problem’ with Gabriel Jesus expressing his frustrations publicly after the Manchester City striker bemoaned his lack of playing time.
Jesus plays second fiddle to Sergio Aguero at City, which has restricted the talented 22-year-old to just one Premier League start this season.
Guardiola reacted to Jesus’ comments, praising his frontman as a ‘special’ player.
‘He’s special. I saw the interview and it was perfect. No problem. He was respectful,’ the City boss said.
‘Of course he wants to play. He’s the No 9 for Brazil. He’s the only striker in the world with this mentality.
‘He plays one second, two minutes, 90 minutes and has to play his best.
‘I understand completely. All the players want to play all the games. It’s normal.’
Jesus has scored in every game he has started this season and is a popular figure in the squad and with the fans.
But the Brazilian admitted he was unhappy to be left on the bench so often.
‘Like I said, I want to play, I want to help without going over anyone,’ Jesus said.
‘I also understand the manager’s head and I respect. I make it very clear that I always want to be playing.
‘In that case, if it happens, let each one be happy in the best way, I value happiness very much.
‘I’m very happy at City. So there’s no reason to leave City.’
