Guardiola keeps cool after Jesus complaint

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AFP Manchester
Last Updated : Sep 28 2019 | 9:55 AM IST

Pep Guardiola insists he has no problem with Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus being unhappy about his lack of first-team starts.

In a recent interview with a Brazilian TV station, Jesus spoke of his frustration at playing understudy to City's record goal-scorer Sergio Aguero.

Jesus has started just one Premier League game this season, while Aguero has scored in all six league games so far.

The Brazilian has three goals in his five appearances, with his other starts coming in the Champions League and League Cup.

But despite scoring in the 3-0 League Cup win at Preston on Tuesday, City will likely revert to Aguero for the Premier League match at Everton on Saturday.

It is a problem every other manager would like and Guardiola admits he understands Jesus's point of view about his relative lack of game-time.

"No player will be happy when he doesn't play regularly. Gabriel is happy when he plays and not happy when he doesn't, but it's not just him," Guardiola told reporters on Friday.

"Him and Sergio have different qualities. Sergio is one of the most outstanding players I've seen in small spaces. I try to let them both play as much as possible. They each have little details that make the difference.

"Sergio could have scored five goals against Watford. Gabriel could have scored three or four against Preston in the Carabao Cup."
"It's so difficult for me. In some games Gabriel gives me something Sergio cannot. And the other way around. Both guys are incredible. Sergio is one of the nicest guys I've ever met. He is so humble for such a top player

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First Published: Sep 28 2019 | 9:55 AM IST

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