Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus says he is keen for more first-team opportunities after patiently waiting for his chance to be a regular starter over the past few years.
The Brazilian international has made three starts this campaign but speaking out about his playing time, the forward thinks he deserves more minutes on the pitch:
“I’m over the “I have to wait (for a chance)” phase. I’ve been here for almost three years, it’s my fourth season, and that makes me want to play more.”
“Obviously it’s very hard to compete for a place with Aguero, the biggest legend of this club, although it’s good for the team – he plays well when in the team and I do the same. I do understand Pep’s decisions and respect Sergio, his history here and what he’s doing now.”
Fans on Twitter had a mixed reaction to Jesus’s remarks, with some believing his ambition should be lauded, while others think it may be time for him to move on:
He’s not good enough anyway, love the guy but he’s not up to the mark. He’s always offside and hasn’t fulfilled his potential. He scores the odd goal granted but he’ll never be a regular starter
— YӨDΛ (@CityYoda) 26 September 2019
He was happy to wait and learn, now feels he can push on and win the place full time given he chance. Perfect growth and hunger for the spot.
— Gaz Brady (@Gazbrady79) 26 September 2019
All our youngsters will want to leave soon.
— Abdullah (@ATrueNigerian) 27 September 2019
Off ya pop then ???
— James Davis (@jdseve) 27 September 2019
I understand his frustrations, he is also worried about losing his place in the national team. Truth of the matter is that Fermino is not slowing down at Liverpool and so is Aguero.
— Mow (@Momaverick83) 26 September 2019
Jesus has to keep calm..he will have opportunities this season.. kun has been in sensational form..so its hard for pep to drop him..
— Rohit Bharara (@rohbharara) 27 September 2019
he does have to wait, it’s that simple.. you can’t expect to start over the best Striker in the world
— ????? (@mcfcliam_) 26 September 2019
He’s an amazing incentive for Agüero, whenever Gabriel makes an amazing match, the next time Agüero plays raises the bar again
— Javier (@JavipMtz) 26 September 2019
When he outscores aguero and still isn’t starting then he can become frustrated
— Remy Sánchez (@yung_remy5) 26 September 2019
Time to move on for his own good me thinks
— Eric Njiru (@EricNjiiru) 27 September 2019
As Jesus mentions himself, the presence of Sergio Aguero in the squad makes the likelihood of increased game time unlikely. Manager Pep Guardiola has already said that he completely understands the player’s comments and it is natural for him to want to play more.
Whether Jesus’s words are an indication that he wants out of the club, you can’t be 100% sure, but it does appear his patience is beginning to wear thin.
