Gabriel Jesus says he will work hard to win back his place in the Brazil squad after being axed by Tite, though says Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino deserves his chance to impress.
Manchester City frontman Jesus started all five of the Selecao’s matches at the World Cup without getting on the score sheet and was criticized for his performances up front.
OFFICIAL:
The 24 man Brazil squad to play El Salvador and the USA. pic.twitter.com/KJBFaEmRbk
— Brazil Football ?? (@BrazilEdition) August 17, 2018
That saw Jesus – as well as three more of his City teammates – left out of Brazil’s 24-man squad for upcoming friendlies against United States and El Salvador, but he accepts the decision.
‘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.
‘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.’ Jesus was on the score sheet for champions City in their thumping 6-1 victory over Huddersfield on Sunday, while Sergio Aguero grabbed a hat-trick, and the Brazilian admits he needs to keep improving to match the Argentine.
He continued: ‘On top of being a great player, he is very experienced. He knows he needs to score, but he also pays attention to his teammate that is next to him.
‘If there is a space, he shoots, but he passes as well. This puts pressure on you. This season I will play more focused on the goal.’
Brazil’s latest 24-man squad
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Neto (Valencia), Hugo (Flamengo) Defenders: Alex Sandro (Juventus), Dede (Cruzeiro), Fabinho (Liverpool), Fagner (Corinthians), Felipe (Porto), Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid), Marquinhos, Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain) Midfielders: Andreas Pereira (Manchester United), Fred (Manchester United), Arthur (Barcelona), Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona), Casemiro (Real Madrid), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo), Renato Augusto (Beijing Guoan) Forwards: Douglas Costa (Juventus), Everton (Gremio), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool), Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain), Pedro (Fluminense), Willian (Chelsea)