Gabriel Jesus is growing increasingly agitated at Manchester City over a lack of playing time.
Jesus has been limited to just one Premier League start this season after again failing to usurp Sergio Aguero in the pecking order for places.
The 22-year-old has only managed cameos from the bench in the league and starts in cup competitions this season.
Pep Guardiola has huge expectations for Jesus but is struggling to keep the Brazil international happy with Aguero his first choice striker.
“I’m over the ‘I have to wait (for a chance)’ phase. I’ve been here for almost three years, it’s my fourth season, and that makes me want to play more,” he told Brazilian TV station Esporte Interativo, via The Daily Mail.
“Obviously it’s very hard to compete for a place with Aguero, the biggest legend of this club, although it’s good for the team – he plays well when in the team and I do the same.
“I do understand Pep’s decisions and respect Sergio, his history here and what he’s doing now.
“People say that I’m a sub in a negative way but they forget I’m not in the bench due to bad performances. It’s because Aguero has been superb. I’ve learnt not how to wait but how to understand the situation.
“Personally, last season was very hard. I didn’t get the chance to play in many games and many important games. I remember the Tottenham match at home in the Champions League. I was very frustrated about not playing and, of course, City being knocked out.
“It does hurt when you don’t get chances in important games so I was disappointed at the end of last season. I think that’s normal and I’ve never been unprofessional about it. I was very upset but I did understand.
“I kept my mind in the right place and finished the season playing a (FA Cup) final and scoring twice. During my holidays I could see ahead and project this season differently. I’ve played six games so far, playing well and scoring goals.
“That’s my focus, I don’t want to steal anyone’s spot in the first team. Things happen naturally.”
There was a time during Jesus’ first 12 months at City where he looked to have moved ahead of Aguero in the pecking order but the Argentine has responded in brilliant fashion.
City’s record-scorer took a while to invest into Guardiola’s demands but has finally grasped what is required of him to lead the line for the Premier League champions.
Aguero has scored 70 goals in 95 Premier League appearances since City appointed Guardiola as manager in the summer of 2016 and this season became the first player in the competition’s history to score in each of the first six matches.
Despite struggling for continuity on the pitch, Jesus has still been a consistent goal scorer for City, averaging a goal every 124 minutes of playing time in the Premier League.
