Brazilian arrives with a big reputation as he aims to fix Manchester City’s faltering title bid
GABRIEL JESUS has touched down in Manchester as he prepares to bolster Manchester City’s faltering title bid.
Despite City’s nervy 2-1 victory over Burnley on Monday, Pep Guardiola’s side could be 10 points behind league leaders Chelsea if the Blues win their game in hand against Tottenham.
7Gabriel Jesus touched down in Manchester on Tuesday morningCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
7Jesus jumped in a taxi with his familyCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
But the Brazilian ace looked in good spirits and braced for the challenge when he left Manchester airport before hopping into a taxi with his family around him on Tuesday morning.
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Jesus knows he arrives with a big reputation and Guardiola could waste no time in throwing him straight into the thick of the action.
The Spaniard will monitor his fitness to see if he could feature in the FA Cup tie at West Ham on Friday, or the league game at Everton on January 15.
7Jesus has enjoyed time off in his native BrazilCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
7He arrives with a big reputationCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
The 19-year-old has been enjoying a month off in his native Brazil after helping former club Palmeiras win the Brazilian title.
But Guardiola remains confident that Jesus will not take long before getting up to speed.
He said: “We’re going to see. I don’t think we’re going to need to spend too much time to get him fit.”
Under-pressure Guardiola, who has shown first signs of cracking under the pressure, will be praying Jesus can hit the ground running in the Premier League.
7Pep Guardiola has been Jesus from drinking CokeCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
The duo have been in close contact and Jesus has already declared Guardiola has been laying down the law – after banning him from drinking Coke.
The £27million man said: “The manager seemed like a great person. Everyone knows his coaching quality but the character is more important.
“Our first meeting was good. He’s a technician who likes Brazilians. He gave me a plan. Since he first called me, our contact has been very good.
“Guardiola gave me a hard time, saying I can’t drink Coke. I don’t even like it!”
