Gabriel Jesus has named ‘key’ tactical differences between Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta.
The Brazilian, who switched Manchester for London earlier this summer, admitted that now he feels ‘free’ on the pitch under Arteta than he was at City.
Speaking to ESPN Brasil (via Evening Standard), the 25-year-old opened up on his decision on leaving the Etihad and outlined key differences of two Spanish coaches.
“The thing was the way [Guardiola] understands football and what he wanted.
“Then it was up to you to accept it or not. If you don’t accept it, ‘thank you’ and let’s go for another challenge.
“I accepted it for a while, but there came a moment when I said: ‘I want another thing for myself.’ I thanked him, ‘thanks for everything,’ he understood, and we moved on. It is different here at Arsenal. The football is different – different players, different ways to play.
“At City, it was different. The striker didn’t touch the ball that much, you see this by watching the games. And, when it was time to touch the ball, it was not the striker, because [Guardiola] ended up putting a midfielder to come closer. OK, fine. So, I decided to change.”
Jesus added: “I talked a lot with Arteta about Arsenal’s style. He knows me, I know him, I understood what he wanted from me. Now, I’m free on the pitch, playing football with a smile on my face and trying to do my best all the time.” added Jesus.