Guardiola boosted after Jesus signs new deal
Pep Guardiola is delighted by Gabriel Jesus’ contract extension at Manchester City and believes Douglas Luiz can become the next Brazilian to flourish should he get a work permit.
After running away with the Premier League title last season, City have the chance to start the campaign with silverware when they face Chelsea in the Community Shield tomorrow.
It is a match Guardiola’s side head into buoyed by the news that extremely-talented striker Jesus has extended his stay at the Etihad Stadium, with the 21-year-old signing a new and improved deal until 2023.
“Gabriel has improved a lot since he came,” the City boss said. “His courage, his fight to put every effort for the team is incredible.
“I never met one striker who fights like he fights for the team and he’s able to improve, he always wants to know what he can do better and that is fantastic.
“So, congratulations to him. Thank you so much to Gabriel for trusting us, to stay longer with us and of course for the club to make this effort to keep him with us for the next years.
“He is so young and to find a striker with his qualities is complicated.”
Jesus is one of a number of players back in the City reckoning after the World Cup, with Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling the only squad members yet to return to the fold.
Summer signing Riyad Mahrez has been given the green light after an ankle complaint, but Guardiola is unable to call upon midfielder Luiz as he waits on a work permit.
The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at Girona after arriving from Vasco da Gama in a £10million deal and impressed during City’s pre-season tour in the United States.
“We would like (him) but he has no visa,” Guardiola said.
“No work permit, not yet, and we are going to try to convince the federation or the guys who decide the work permit to allow him to stay because I think he has potential to stay with us, play with us, improve with us.
“We saw it in the pre-season against Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.”
Maurizio Sarri has spoken to Willian after the Brazil playmaker returned late to Chelsea training, but insists there is no problem between them.
The 29-year-old cut a forlorn figure at times under Antonio Conte, Sarri’s predecessor as head coach, and has been linked with Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid this summer. He reported late for Chelsea duty after the World Cup.
“There is not a Willian problem,” Sarri said.
“I spoke yesterday with him about his lateness, not about his future. It was a very positive conversation. I am happy about it.”
Thibaut Courtois’ future at Chelsea remains uncertain, but Sarri hopes the Belgium goalkeeper will stay.
Courtois is due to return to Chelsea training this weekend after helping Belgium finish third at the World Cup and being voted the best goalkeeper at Russia 2018.
The 26-year-old has a year to run on his current contract and has been continually linked with a move prior to Thursday’s transfer window, with Real Madrid rumoured to be his most likely destination if he is sold.
“At the moment Courtois is the goalkeeper of the club, of Chelsea,” Sarri added.
“I don’t know in the future. It depends on the club. It depends especially on him, I think.
“But, I hope that Courtois will be our goalkeeper. It’s very important for us to keep the top players.”