Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus has said that he will work hard to win his place back in the Brazil national team. This came after manager Tite decided to not select him to the 24-man Brazil squad which will play against the United States and El Salvador in friendly internationals.
Jesus was selected as Brazil’s first-choice forward during the World Cup in Russia, and frustrated fans as he failed to find the back of the net, even though he started all of the nation’s matches.
Many feel that Firmino actually should have been handed the first-choice number nine role. The Liverpool man was on fine form last season and is an easy starter for most nation’s in World football.
Brazil will be aiming to discover new combinations, following their frustrating 2018 World Cup run during which they were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Belgium.
At 26-years-old, Firmino is approaching the peak of his career and if he makes the most of the opportunities that will be given to him, he could become Brazil’s first-choice striker for the 2019 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup. Next year’s Copa America will be very special to the Selecao as they will be playing on home soil.
While Jesus will be frustrated at being axed, he has the potential to work his way back into the side. He is only 21-years-old and still has a lot to learn and will get better. If he continues to bang in the goals for City, he will stand a good chance of earning a recall to the Selecao in the future.
‘They called me minutes before the announcement. I was happy with the call, but obviously I was not happy to be left out,’ Jesus told ESPN Brasil as quoted by Metro.
‘I always want to play for City and for my country. It does not mean, however, that I am angry with someone at the football federation.
‘I will keep working but I accept that other players deserve a chance, like [Roberto] Firmino, who has been playing really well since last season.’
