Gabriel Jesus steps up bid to dislodge Sergio Aguero - 'I will always respect him but it’s up to me to pursue a place in team'

Gabriel Jesus reels away in celebration
Jesus scored four times in City’s 9-0 demolition of Burton Albion  Credit: Getty Images

Gabriel Jesus has lifted the lid on his mental battles on and off the pitch over the 12 months.

But the Manchester City striker is confident those troubles are now behind him after starting the new year with a bang as he bids to do more to challenge Sergio Aguero for a regular first team place.

Jesus scored four times in City’s 9-0 demolition of League One Burton Albion in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday, four days after his goal in the 7-0 FA Cup thrashing of Rotherham, to take his tally to five in two games in 2019.

It was the first time in his professional career that the Brazil forward has scored four goals in a single game and he hopes it proves the catalyst to better things after a testing past year.

Although Jesus scored the stoppage-time goal against Southampton on the final day of last season that saw the Premier League champions hit the magical 100-point barrier, the 21-year-old struggled with injuries and poor form for much of the campaign while being apart from his family in Brazil took a personal toll.

Man City celebrate huge win over Burton
Man City enjoy their goal-fest against Burton Credit: Getty Images

He also disappointed for Brazil at the World Cup finals in Russia last summer, when he failed to get on the scoresheet, and has spent the majority of this term playing second fiddle to Aguero, scoring just three times in the league.

Jesus’s family have spent the past month in Manchester with him, and although they returned to Brazil this week, the player said their presence had a galvanising effect and has helped to focus his mind as he looks forward.

“I’ve already forgot the problems of last year and I’m really happy now,” he said. “My family is getting back to Brazil, unfortunately, but that’s an issue just at home, not on the pitch.

Jesus celebrates with the fans
Having Jesus' family with him in Manchester has had a positive effect Credit: Getty Images

“I’ve had amazing days beside them, I’m grateful for the family I have, they are always beside me and allowing me just to focus on football. I’ll miss them, obviously, but I’m mentally stronger now and I just want to play well, score goals and help the team.

“I am so happy [to have scored four] because last year I didn’t score a lot, and that’s difficult for me because I am a striker and I need to score goals, I know that. It was very important for my mentality.

“I maybe I tried too hard against Rotherham and missed two or three goals. But I work hard every day on scoring goals and that is why this [against Burton] made me so happy as my work paid off.

“Last year was difficult for me after the World Cup, but I have forgotten that now. I think I played very well at the World Cup but didn’t score a goal. In Brazil, it is difficult when you are a striker and don’t score at the World Cup. But the feeling is back now.”

Nonetheless, Jesus knows he faces a serious challenge trying to dislodge Aguero. “I’ve always respected and will always respect Sergio and the manager [Pep Guardiola’s] decisions, but it’s up to me to pursue a place in the team,” Jesus told Brazilian outlet Esporte Interativo.

“I know Sergio lives an amazing season but I’m here able to help whenever they need me. I haven’t played a lot on Premier League this season and I want to help respecting everyone. Sergio is a legend here - we all know that. I’m here to help the team, to help Sergio, Pep and everyone and work hard, make it happen.”

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