Gabriel Jesus says he doesn't always understand Pep Guardiola's tactics, as he described how the Manchester City manager has changed his approach this season.
Striker Jesus has been in steady form, with some good spells in front of goal and other frustrating periods - but an overall contribution to the team that cannot be questioned. His two goals on Tuesday helped break down a stubborn Wolves defence and extend City's winning run to 21.
With Jesus not always available this season and Sergio Aguero only just coming back from his latest injury, Guardiola has deployed a false nine on a number of occasions to great success. Even when Jesus returned from his injuries, Guardiola has persisted with the false nine approach in some games, with Jesus admitting he is sometimes confused why there are strikers on the bench.
He told ESPN Brazil: “ There were times when Kun [Aguero] and I stayed on the bench and Bernardo played. I don’t lie.
"Obviously, we don’t understand much, and then we understand. We win the games. So I’m happy with the victory. Obviously I want to be helping, I want to be on the pitch. But the team winning is what matters.”
Jesus says he has also spotted a change in how Guardiola has approached this unprecedented season, with Covid-19 protocols limiting how much contact the squad can have despite the heavy fixture schedule.
Whether that be with Guardiola's frequent rotation policy, the one-game-at-a-time approach, or simple changes to match preparation, Jesus says there have been notable differences in his manager this season.
He explained: “ Everyone wants to play, so when they go out on the pitch, they want to show, want to help, want to do something to deserve to play another game.
"Then, there’s also the one who manages the team, which is the coach, who is very intelligent. He’s very intense, always wants to win, that counts a lot and keeps all players alert to be able to play and win the games.
“It (Guardiola's approach) changed. I don’t know why. I don’t know if it’s because of the pandemic, constant testing, mask, restrictions… I think that may have changed a little bit.
"Today, there are less videos, he doesn’t talk so much, but the intensity and the will to win is the same. It hasn’t changed. He’s always attentive, communicative on days of games and training.”
