Manchester City vs Burton: Gabriel Jesus confident he can cope with family returning to Brazil

Jesus endured a difficult 2018 but scored four in Wednesday's 9-0 defeat of Burton

Gabriel Jesus is confident that he can embark on a run of scoring form for Manchester City despite his friends and family travelling back to Brazil in a few days’ time.

Jesus has struggled for form and confidence at times since moving to Manchester two years ago and suffered a particularly difficult 2018.

The 21-year-old disappointed while leading the line for Brazil at last summer’s World Cup and fell behind Sergio Aguero in the pecking order at club level.

Jesus has been known to rely heavily on those closest to him, previously living in the city centre with brother Felipe and friends Higor Braga and Fabio Lucio.

His inner circle were denied re-entry to the country last January when their visas expired but their return last month coincided with an improvement in the striker’s form.

After his four-goal haul in Wednesday night’s 9-0 evisceration of Burton Albion, Jesus revealed that those closest to him are set to leave again next week.

However, after scoring seven in his last five City appearances, he believes he is “mentally stronger” and can cope with their absence.

“Last year was difficult for me after the World Cup, but I have forgotten that now,” he said. “I think I played very well at the World Cup but didn’t score a goal. In Brazil it is difficult when you are a striker and don’t score at the World Cup.

“My feeling is back, and I have been so happy that my family is here with me. On Tuesday they go to Brazil, but that is life. You need to work, to do what you love, and football is what I love.

Speaking to Brazilian television channel Esporte Interativo, Jesus added: “I’ve had amazing days beside [my family]. I’m grateful for the family I have, they are always beside me and allowing me just to focus on football.

“I’ll miss them, obviously, but I’m mentally stronger now and I just want to play well, score goals and help the team.”

Jesus has made no secret of the fact that his past 12 months have been the most challenging of his young career to date, but he believes his recent run of form gives cause for optimism.

“It was very important for my mentality,” he said, after his four goals against Burton. “I need to score goals, I know that. Sometimes it’s difficult but I always try to score and help the team.

“I am a striker so I have to score, but I always try to play well and help the team every time. This week is special to me because I have scored a lot.

“I maybe I tried too hard against Rotherham [in a 7-0 FA Cup third round win on Sunday] and missed two or three goals. I work hard every day on scoring goals, and that is why this made me so happy, as my work paid off.”