Pep Guardiola says that Liverpool are the only team left in the Premier League who are prepared to take on his team as equals.
09.02.2022 - 01:53 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Pep Guardiola says Gabriel Jesus is “the best in the world” at defending from the front.
The Manchester City boss said he has still not ruled out using the Brazil international as a central striker, despite his apparent conversion to being a right winger in the last couple of years.
With City signing Julian Alvarez and hoping to add another big-name striker in the summer, as well as developing the talents of academy product Liam Delap, Jesus seems to be getting further away from the role for which he was first earmarked.
His main competition this season has been Riyad Mahrez, on the City right, although Jesus is currently injured after returning from international duty last week with a niggling muscle injury.
He will miss the Premier League clash with Brentford on Wednesday night but is close to a return - he could be in the reckoning for the trip to Norwich on Saturday.
Guardiola has rarely played Jesus in a central role this season, despite his good scoring record of 88 goals in 220 games, and despite the Blues being without a striker since Sergio Aguero left to join Barcelona last summer.
But the manager made it plain that he still sees him as an option in that position.
“He’s a centre forward, he can play there, but when he is played wide he is more comfortable,” he said. “We encourage him in central positions to be more open, to see the actions.”
Guardiola often plays Jesus in big games because his all-action style fits with the Blues’ high-energy pressing game - he started in the 2-2 draw at Anfield this season.
Perhaps the finest example of what he brings to the team was when he played a wide role against Real Madrid in both legs of the 2020 Champions League last 16.
He snuffed out the attacking threat of Dani
Pep Guardiola says that Liverpool are the only team left in the Premier League who are prepared to take on his team as equals.
Aleks Zinchenko and Vitaliy Mykolenko shared a quiet moment on the pitch ahead of Manchester City's Premier League meeting with Everton.
Manchester City centre-back John Stones has defended manager Pep Guardiola's rotation policy, insisting he doesn't think it is "physically possible" for a player to play every game.
Manchester City return to Premier League action this evening hoping to respond to last weekend's defeat to Tottenham.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly open to the idea of handing club captain Fernandinho a role in his coaching staff from next season.
Check out our 15/8 Everton vs Man City prediction below
Manchester City have been handed a fitness boost ahead of their clash with Everton on Saturday as Jack Grealish and Gabriel Jesus returned to first-team training.
When it comes to Mauricio Pochettino, there is one common concern among many Manchester United fans over the Argentinian becoming their next permanent manager.
Kyle Walker looked in high spirits as he returned to Manchester City training on Wednesday after appearing to sit out Tuesday's session.
Harry Kane was 'too clever' for Manchester City's defenders on Saturday evening, that's the view of Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer as he hailed the striker's performance at the Etihad Stadium.
Chelsea midfielder Jorginho has admitted that he still 'dreams' about playing under Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola following a failed move to the Etihad Stadium in 2018.
Julian Alvarez scored his first goals as a Manchester City player as he netted an impressive hat-trick for River Plate on Wednesday.
Manchester City fans were left in awe of Raheem Sterling once again as he put his side in front at Norwich in spectacular fashion.
Manchester City will be looking to extend their winning run in all competitions to three matches when they face relegation-threatened Norwich City at Carrow Road on Saturday teatime.
Form is strong at Manchester City right now. In fact, the Etihad side have won 17 of their last 19 matches in all competitions.
Pep Guardiola said he was upset by a video showing three of his stars on a Manchester night out - because he was not invited!
Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger wants £225,000-a-week to stay at Stamford Bridge amid transfer interest from Manchester City - according to reports.
Pep Guardiola says January signing Julian Alvarez is good enough to join the Manchester City squad this month, but the club decided he would be better remaining at River Plate on loan.
Manchester City have a full squad from which to choose for tomorrow's FA Cup tie against Fulham - apart from Gabriel Jesus and Cole Palmer.
Philippe Sandler felt he had to leave Manchester City in order to finally get some regular football after a frustrating period with injuries.