Gabriel Jesus, the Brazilian international footballer, has recently revealed that there is one question he will never ask Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. This revelation comes amidst a major selection dilemma faced by Arteta ahead of Arsenal's Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.
Arteta's selection headache arises from the return to form of Gabriel Jesus. The Brazil international had a challenging 12 months marked by injuries and a loss of confidence which saw him fall down his manager’s pecking order. Kai Havertz, originally signed as an attacking midfielder, became Arteta’s go-to man up front. However, Havertz himself has been off-form in recent weeks.
Jesus gave a timely reminder of his qualities in midweek when his hat-trick helped Arsenal secure a 3-2 win over Palace in the Carabao Cup. As the Gunners face the same opposition at Selhurst Park today, it remains uncertain who Arteta will pick to lead his forward line.
Respectful silence
Despite this uncertainty and his recent performance boost, Jesus has made it clear that he won't be making any demands on team selection. He said: ‘I have knocked on a manager’s door only one time in my life.’
Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal striker, said:
‘I would never go to Mikel’s door and say, ‘I want to play’. A lot of people don’t watch the game. They just see the stats the day after and see who scored. People say, ‘Gabby played 20 games and scored once’.
‘But they don’t see I am coming on for five or ten minutes. The pressure to score goals will always be there. I am the No 9 for Arsenal. Even if I score ten they will ask for 20 – and if it is 20 they ask for 30. This is the life.’
Gabriel Jesus' revelation about his unasked question to Mikel Arteta highlights the respect and professionalism that exists within professional football. It also underscores the complexities of team selection decisions, offering a fascinating glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of Premier League football.
