Guardiola plays down Jesus City arrival

Gabriel Jesus’ emergence as one of the best young players in world football has made Manchester City fans excited ahead of his January arrival, but boss Pep Guardiola has moved quickly to play down expectations.

The 19-year-old was relatively unknown when City agreed a £27m deal in the summer, but he has become one of the world’s most talked about talents.

Jesus recently broke into the Brazil national side where he become their main central striker with support from Barcelona’s Neymar and Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho.

He has scored four goals in six games for his country, and will arrive in Manchester in time for the second half of the season.

But Guardiola insists he will take it slow with Jesus and has instructed Brazilians Fernando and Fernandinho to help him settle into English life.

Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

“We cannot forget he is 19 years old. We are delighted he is coming in January,” he said.

“He will try to help us. At 19 it is not easy but we have two of the nicest people I have met in my career, Fernando and Fernandinho, and they will help him.”