The striker has credited his club colleague for helping him to find his form and is now ready for a big semi-final battle
Sergio Aguero’s healthy selfishness helped inspire Gabriel Jesus back to form, but the Brazil striker will still “tease” his Manchester City team-mate if the Selecao oust Argentina from the Copa America.
Jesus and host nation Brazil face their fierce rivals in a blockbuster semi-final in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday.
Tite’s side needed penalties to scrape past Paraguay in the quarter-finals, with a rejuvenated Jesus, who made his second start of the tournament, converting the winner.
It was a moment of relief after a tough season at club level that yielded only seven Premier League goals, but three goals in two games for Brazil marked a change in fortunes and the 22-year-old credits Aguero’s example for playing a part in his improvement.
“I had a difficult time at City at the beginning of last season. I wasn’t well and I didn’t play much, but my family and the people who surround me helped me a lot, I sought a physical trainer to help me and he is with me today,” Jesus said.
“I have tried to have more shots because there were games where I didn’t have any shots on goal which complicated things a little.
“Being with Manchester City and the national team has changed that and it is one of the main areas I have improved on.
“I see other attackers like Aguero having a lot of efforts at goal and this makes things easier.
“I have learned a lot from him. But now he is on one side and I’m on another.”
As he prepares to face another City team-mate, Nicolas Otamendi, in what could be a head-to-head battle, Jesus knows there is plenty at stake.
“These are two giant teams, two countries with great history in football,” the former Palmeiras player said.
Click Here: Putters
“As we are the home side and are in better form, there is more pressure on us than Argentina, but it is always a classic.
“I didn’t make a bet with [Aguero], he defends his team and I defend mine. But when I return [to City], I hope to tease him and Otamendi too.”