Gabriel Jesus: High pressing, defence and ball recovery are in my DNA, I'm good at creating chaos

Barcelona striker Gabriel Jesus was interviewed by the 3Cat Tot costa programme, where he discussed his adaptation to Barcelona since his arrival, competition for positions within the squad, and his playing style. He also spoke about Raphinha, Guardiola, Flick, and the team's objectives in the Champions League. This article is the second part of the exclusive interview.

But that's the thing. You just said: "I scored a goal 10 minutes after coming on." I checked, and you played a total of 20 minutes across two appearances — 10 minutes plus 10 minutes — hit the post once and scored a goal. But you didn't play in the next match. That must be difficult to deal with.

Of course, it's not easy. Especially because I work very hard and want to be on the pitch. I feel I can contribute more on the field than off it. However, with my current experience, I already know these things happen. One game is different from another, and it depends on the specific situation of each match at that moment.

For example, in the last game, the team was already winning 3-0, and perhaps in that situation, I would have had the opportunity to play more than 20 minutes. Another game might be 20 minutes, 30 minutes, or I could even start a match outright. These things happen during a season, and it's very normal.

We've only played five or six games this season, right? I've played in 3 games since arriving here, and 3 before that, so a total of 6 games. There are more than 50 games left. So I know there will always come a moment when I'll get my chance. But I must say again, the most important thing is that everyone stays in good shape. It's better to have 25 players in good form than just 11.

Let me go back to when Barcelona contacted you. Throughout your career, you've basically played in every position across the front line. In some seasons, you even played more on the wing than as a pure centre-forward. When Barcelona contacted you, did they explicitly say: "We want you to play as number 9"? In fact, they also gave you the number 9 shirt. I'm asking because, in principle, there are already many players on both wings at the club. So Barcelona's initial idea in signing you was primarily to play as number 9 this time, right?

Yes, more as a number 9 than as a winger. But as you said, I've played in many positions throughout my career. I'd say in around 65% to 70% of my games, I've played as a striker, and in the other 30% to 35%, I've played as a right winger, left winger, sometimes as a number 10, and I've even played as a number 8. I think this is a very important skill and will be of great help to me and the team.

However, they didn't explicitly tell me whether I'd play more as a number 9 or more as a winger. Of course, no matter where the manager places me, I'll do my best.

You've already said your knee is completely fine now and has recovered. But you had less playing time last season, so you missed a run of matches. When will we see Gabriel Jesus at his best?

That's right. I was out for almost a year due to a knee injury, and then I returned in December last year. After December, I played many games for Arsenal. Later, of course, my playing time decreased again. I played in Arsenal's last Premier League match, and that was it. I also participated in pre-season and got some minutes for Arsenal.

Of course, it's not easy. Every player needs to be on the pitch, needs playing time to show their abilities, and needs to find their rhythm through matches, which is very normal.

I'm also very aware that since I came to Barcelona, Raphinha is now playing as number 9 and he's been scoring goals. Naturally, he'll certainly continue to play many matches, and he deserves those opportunities. So what I need to do is compete hard and wait for my chance. Only when I get the opportunity to have more playing time will I really be able to find my rhythm.

Of course, I'm training very well now, and everything else is going well. But as I said, in terms of my football career, I'm not a young player anymore. I've experienced a lot in football. I know the season is long, and there are many games ahead. Right now it's about focusing on the next match, hoping to get some playing time, and then doing my best.

Have you set yourself a goal target? For example, how many goals do you expect to score this season?

In my current situation, it's difficult to speak about a specific number. I'm a very honest person with myself, which is why sometimes I can't always do interviews, because I'm very direct (laughs). I'll speak my true thoughts and say what I think can happen. That's me. So in my current situation, it's difficult to say a specific number. But of course, I hope to score many goals and help the team.

And I don't just want to score when the team is already winning 3-0 or 4-0. I hope to score important goals to help Barcelona advance in the league and also help the team progress in the Champions League. I really want to score many goals. Not just goals, but I also want to create chances for my teammates, because that's also a very important skill of mine.

So a specific number is difficult to say. In my current situation, it's really difficult to give a number, but of course, I hope to score many goals.

It's better to be a bit cautious. Because you just mentioned Ronaldo, and when Romário came here, he directly said: "I'll score 30 goals."

(Laughs) No, those guys are on another planet.

Since we're on the subject, Romário or Ronaldo?

Both. Choose both, choose both (laughs). The two could definitely play together, so choose both.

We just talked about your playing style. Guardiola once said you're the best defensive striker he's ever seen. Does that mean you're very well suited to Flick's philosophy? Because in Flick's system, it's non-negotiable that forwards participate in pressing.

Football has changed a lot, you know? Since I arrived at Manchester City, the number 9 has to press, apply high pressure, and always help the team. And this is my DNA. As a striker, pressing, helping the team defend, and recovering the ball are all part of my DNA.

Because I think when you press and recover the ball, you're closer to goal and have a better chance of scoring. It's much easier to steal the ball directly from an opposing centre-back and score than to score after 30 consecutive passes. So that's very important.

Of course, when Guardiola, one of the best coaches in football history, says something like that, everyone thinks: "Ah, okay."

But what I learned from Guardiola is, of course, much more than that. I think one of my characteristics is being able to create something, to create chaos on the pitch.

Create chaos?

Yes, I'm very good at creating chaos (laughs). Whether with or without the ball, I'll be there, and something will always happen.

I really like that phrase. You're a "chaos creator," right?

Yes, whether with or without the ball. That's very important to me.

Traduzido por IA.

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