Pep Guardiola has poured cold water on the idea of playing Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero together.
The Manchester City manager apologised to Brazil star Jesus for not playing him as much as he would like.
And, while the return of Benjamin Mendy from long-term injury opens up the possibility of reverting to the 3-5-2 formation which has proved devastating in the past, Guardiola poured cold water on playing the two South Americans as a pair.
In the 11 games in which they have started together, Aguero and Jesus have scored 14 goals between them, and the partnership has looked frighteningly good at times.
But Guardiola has shied away from playing two strikers, especially during Mendy’s long injury absence, as he did not have an overlapping left back to provide width.
And the fact that he threw Jesus on as a sub in the 3-2 defeat at Norwich a fortnight ago, with little effect, seems to have affected his opinion.
Guardiola said: “Normally I don’t play with two strikers … the last minutes at Norwich - and it wasn’t good.
“Our control isn’t the best, and we’re not solid enough. It’s difficult for me.
“I try to move them and play both. In some games Gabriel gives me something Sergio can’t. And the other way around.”
Jesus expressed his frustration at his lack of opportunity last season, but also said that he fully understood the reasons behind Guardiola’s decision, as it was based on Aguero’s excellent form.
Guardiola described that as a “perfect” response and later added: “No player will be happy if they don’t play regularly. Honestly I don’t try to fight too much. He’s happy when he plays, not happy when he doesn’t. Not just Gabriel.”
And he said that the decision often comes down to what qualities he requires against different opponents.
“Sergio is one of the most outstanding players I’ve seen in the small spaces,” he said. “I try to let them both play as much as possible. There are little details that make the difference.
“Sergio could have scored five goals against Watford. Both guys are incredible. Sergio is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. Top player, a legend. An incredibly humble and funny guy.
“They’re upset if they don’t play, of course. How can they be happy? It’s impossible.
“All I can say is that I’m sorry. The same happened in the midfield, with Gundogan, David, Kevin or Phil. I have to choose. We’ve many games and everyone is necessary.”
