Guardiola sets target for Jesus after brace against Everton
Pep Guardiola said he wants more from Gabriel Jesus – despite the striker’s match-winning double.
Jesus scored twice in seven minutes to give Manchester City a hard-fought win that kept them within a point of second-placed Leicester.
Brazil striker Jesus now has 13 goals this season but Guardiola – who kept first-choice striker Sergio Aguero on the bench – demanded more from the 22-year-old.
“He’s a young player, but the way he defended and fought was good,” said Guardiola.
“He has to improve and he knows that, but every day he gets better and better.
Pep Guardiola sets Gabriel Jesus challenge after Man City brace against Everton – https://t.co/8JCNO59VLj #EvertonFC #EFC pic.twitter.com/FysEwzgjrj
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“What he’s shown so far in the period he’s here, he’s had ups and downs with his age and with injuries, but he’s been excellent.
“Sergio is irreplaceable for our fans, for this club, for the best moment in the history of this club, so it’s difficult [for Jesus].
“Sergio’s got one more year here and we need good back-ups. But Sergio and Gabriel have an incredible relationship, they are really good.”
Despite trailing leaders Liverpool by 11 points and with a third straight title out of reach, Guardiola wants his players to scrap for every point until the end of the season.
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“I’m so delighted about the performance,” said Guardiola.
“Being far away from first position, after being champions for the previous two seasons, teams in normal situations give up and can finish seventh or eighth in the table.
“Maybe we’re going to finish seventh or eighth in the table, but not because we don’t try. We played so good.”