Jesus: Pressing, defending, and winning the ball back are in my DNA; I'm very good at creating chaos

Barcelona forward Gabriel Jesus was interviewed by 3Cat's Tot costa program, where he discussed adapting to joining Barcelona, competition for his position in the squad, and his playing style. He also touched on topics such as Raphinha, Guardiola, Flick, and the team's Champions League ambitions. This article is the second part of the exclusive interview.

But here's the thing. You just said, "I scored after 10 minutes on the pitch." I checked, and you played a total of 20 minutes across two appearances—10 minutes plus 10 minutes. You 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 I want to play. I feel I can do more on the pitch than off it. However, with my experience now, I understand these things happen. Every match is different, and it also depends on the specific circumstances of each game.

For example, in the most recent match, the team was leading 3-0, and perhaps in that situation, I would have had the chance to play more than 20 minutes. Another match might be 20 or 30 minutes, or there might be a game where I start from the beginning. These things happen throughout a season; it's very normal.

We've only played five or six matches this season, right? I've played in three since I arrived, and there were three before that, so a total of six. There are still over 50 matches remaining. So I know there will be times when I get my opportunity. But I want to emphasize that what's most important is that everyone maintains good form. 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 played in almost every attacking position. In some seasons, you even played on the wing more than as a true striker (number 9). When Barcelona approached you, did they make it clear that, "We want you to play as a number 9"? In fact, they gave you the number 9 shirt. I ask this because in principle, the team already has many players on both wings. So Barcelona's initial idea when signing you was mainly for you to play as a number 9 this time, right?

Yes, I was brought in to play more as a number 9 rather than as a winger. But as you mentioned, I've played many positions throughout my career. I think around 65 to 70 percent of my matches, I've played as a striker, and in the remaining 30 to 35 percent, 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 quality that will help both me and the team significantly.

However, they didn't make it entirely clear to me whether I would play more as a number 9 or more as a winger. Of course, wherever the coach puts me, I will always give my best.

You mentioned that your knee is completely fine now and has recovered fully. But last season you had less playing time, so you lacked consistent match rhythm. When will we see Gabriel Jesus at his best?

That's right. I had to miss nearly a year due to a knee injury, and then I returned in December last year. After December, I played a lot of matches for Arsenal. After that, of course, my playing time decreased again. I played my final Premier League match, and that's how it was. I also participated in preseason training and played some minutes for Arsenal.

Of course, that's not easy. Every player needs to play, needs match time to show what they can do, and needs to regain their rhythm through matches; that's very normal.

I'm also well aware that since arriving at Barcelona, Raphinha has been playing as a number 9 and scoring. In normal circumstances, he will naturally continue to play many matches, and he deserves those opportunities. So what I need to do is compete hard and then wait for my chance. Only when I get more playing time will I truly regain my rhythm.

Of course, I'm training very well right now, and I'm doing well in every aspect. But as I said, in my football career, I'm no longer a young player. I've been through a lot in football. I know the season is long, and there are many matches ahead. Right now is the time to focus on the next match, hope to get some playing time, and then give my best effort.

Do you set goal targets for yourself? For example, how many goals are you hoping to score this season?

Given my current situation, it's difficult to speak about a specific number. I'm very honest with myself, and because of that, sometimes I can't always answer interviews because I'm too straightforward (laughs). I'll say what I really think, what I believe could happen. That's who I am. So given my current situation, it's hard to give 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 that help Barcelona progress in the competition and help the team go far 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 ability of mine.

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

Better to be cautious. Since you just mentioned Ronaldo; when Romário came here, he said directly: "I will score 30 goals."

(Laughs) No, they come from another planet.

Since we're talking about it, Romário or Ronaldo?

Both. Choose both, choose both (laughs). They could absolutely play together, so choose both.

We just talked about your playing characteristics. Guardiola once said you are the best defensive striker he's ever seen. Does this mean you're a perfect fit for Flick's philosophy? Because in Flick's system, strikers participating in pressing is non-negotiable.

Football has changed a lot, you know? Since I joined Manchester City, the number 9 has needed to press, press high up the pitch, and always help the team. And that's in my DNA. As a striker, pressing, helping the team defend, and winning back possession are all part of my DNA.

Because I think when you press and win the ball back, you're closer to the goal and have better scoring opportunities. It's much easier to steal the ball directly from the opposing defender and score than to score after 30 consecutive passes. So this is very important.

Of course, when one of the greatest managers in football history like Guardiola says something like that, everyone thinks, "Okay, fair enough."

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

Create chaos?

Yes, I'm very good at creating chaos (laughs). Whether I have the ball or not, I'll be there, and something will always happen.

I really like that way of putting it. You're a "chaos creator," right?

Yes, whether I have the ball or not. That's very important to me.

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