Gabriel Jesus admitted he was “not happy” with Pep Guardiola’s decision not to let him take Manchester City’s penalty in their goalless draw with Liverpool at Anfield.
Jesus hoped to step up and take the 86th-minute spot-kick against his Brazil international team-mate Alisson after Virgil van Dijk had tripped Leroy Sané in the penalty area.
Guardiola, however, overruled Jesus and instructed Riyad Mahrez to take the kick, to Jesus’s visible disappointment.
Mahrez subsequently blazed his attempt over the crossbar, meaning he has missed five of his last eight Premier League penalties.
In his post-match press conference, Guardiola explained that he was confident in Mahrez’s ability from the spot after being impressed by efforts in training.
The City manager also revealed that he had apologised to Jesus for his decision, and Jesus himself later admitted to being frustrated by his manager’s call.
“Obviously, that I’m not happy [with],” the Brazilian said after the final whistle. “As Riyad, I’ve been practising [the penalties].
“I would like to have taken it, I was confident, so I was not happy that they did not allow me. However, it was important that we didn’t lose.”
Though disappointed not to take the penalty, Jesus said he could understand Guardiola’s decision and vowed to support Mahrez if he should be chosen ahead of him again.
“Pep spoke with me. This is part of football, sometimes these things happen. I will support Riyad if the manager chooses him again,” he said.
Sergio Aguero, City’s regular penalty taker, would have taken the kick had he not been substituted for Jesus in the 66th minute.
The draw leaves City top of the table on goal difference, though Guardiola’s side remain level on 20 points with both Liverpool and Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea.
