Gabriel Jesus has issued a defiant message in the first social media activity from a Manchester City player since their Champions League exit to Real Madrid.
26.04.2022 - 22:13 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Rio Ferdinand and Joleon Lescott have shared their concerns regarding John Stones and Gabriel Jesus starting for Manchester City against Real Madrid.
The two teams clash at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night as City look to gain a first leg advantage in their Champions League semi-final tie. Stones, who has only just regained fitness, will be starting in the unfamiliar right-back position tonight tasked with keeping Vinicius Junior quiet.
Meanwhile Jesus — who has been linked with a move away from City this week — starts for Pep Guardiola's side after scoring four against Watford on Saturday. Speaking on BT Sport, Ferdinand began by sharing his concerns regarding Stones: "I think tonight will be a huge challenge for him given who he is up against.
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"If Vinicius stays up there like he did at Stamford Bridge, it is going to be a big test for Stones. I believe there will be help out there for him to try and nullify that threat and I think that will be a key battle throughout the game today."
Lescott then added that he believed Jesus was only picked tonight due to his performance against Watford. "I think his performance at the weekend had to influence his decision this evening," he explained.
"His confidence has got to be sky high, he is playing with one of the best teams in the competition."
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Gabriel Jesus has issued a defiant message in the first social media activity from a Manchester City player since their Champions League exit to Real Madrid.
Manchester City supporters raged after Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro went unpunished during the opening 45 minutes of their Champions League showdown. With a place in the rearranged Paris showpiece at stake the return leg began in a more tactical and subdued fashion.
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Pep Guardiola says he will have to play at least one player out of position to solve his defensive problems in tomorrow night's Champions League semi-final clash with Real Madrid. The Manchester City boss will give John Stones and Kyle Walker until tomorrow morning to prove their fitness, with the suspension of Joao Cancelo meaning they could be left without any senior players who have played right back.
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Oleks Zinchenko’s performance against Watford has partially solved Manchester City’s defensive crisis for the visit of Real Madrid on Tuesday. But Pep Guardiola still faces a major problem at right back — and suggested Saturday’s headline-grabbing hero Gabriel Jesus could be the man to solve it.
Manchester City fans have been lauding Gabriel Jesus' dazzling display against Watford.