‘Last month I wasn’t happy’: Gabriel Jesus reveals intense pressure he puts himself under to score goals… after the Brazilian scores a hat-trick in the Champions League
- Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus scored a hat-trick against Dinamo Zagreb
- The Brazilian has started in the past few weeks due to Sergio Aguero’s injury
- Jesus admits he thinks he always has to score for a ‘big club in big competitions’
- The 22-year-old has scored 10 goals this season but is yet to score at the Etihad
Gabriel Jesus admitted that a recent goal drought had a significant effect on him mentally.
The Manchester City striker netted a hat-trick in Wednesday’s victory at Dinamo Zagreb, having scored in only one of his last 10 games.
Jesus has shouldered the weight of goalscoring responsibility in the absence of Sergio Aguero and revealed that pressure has gnawed away at him.
Gabriel Jesus scored a hat-trick in Manchester City’s 4-1 win against Dinamo Zagreb
The Brazilian taps-in his third of the night as City signed off the group phase in style
‘Last month I was no good and I wasn’t happy,’ Jesus said. ‘Always I think “wow I have to score,” because I’m playing for a big club in big competitions with big players.
‘When I’m not happy with me I want to shoot myself in the head because it’s difficult for me.
‘I think: “Oh my God I have to score, I have to score, I have to score.” When I have the chance sometimes I miss because I think too much and put too much pressure on myself. I try. I’m getting better.’
Jesus has battled for a spot in the starting XI with Sergio Aguero since arriving in 2017
Aguero is set for a return from a thigh injury in the coming weeks and City hope he will be ready to play some part against Arsenal on Sunday.
Jesus has 10 goals for the season, although is yet to score at the Etihad Stadium. The 22-year-old suggested the competition for a starting berth with Aguero spurs him on.
Aguero’s injury has given Jesus a chance and he admits the pair are in ‘friendly competition’
‘I try all the time to do my best and sometimes I cannot do it and that’s the way,’ he added. ‘It’s important for me to score goals and keep scoring goals because I have to.
‘I’m a single competition with Sergio – a friendly competition. I hope that when he plays he scores. I always want him to help the team and his team-mates.
‘When I play he does the same, which is amazing. I have to learn from him because he’s scored a lot for the club and throughout his career. And I’m happy with 101 goals in my career.’