Gabriel Jesús: “Brazil can win without Neymar …”

Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesús said on Wednesday that the Brazilian team already demonstrated several times that it can win without the presence of Neymar And that he works to achieve it on Friday when he receives Venezuela in Sao Paulo for the qualifying rounds of the Qatar 2022 World Cup. “We know the quality of Neymar and his importance, both in his club and in the national team, we know everything he brings; but when it comes to the Brazilian team, we all have to assume our responsibility and know how to supply it, “said the Olympic champion at a press conference at the Canarinha camp.

“With Neymar victory is easier, but the national team has already shown that they can play without him and win without him”, added the Manchester City striker at a press conference at Granja Comary, the training center where Brazil has been preparing since Monday for its next two commitments in the South American qualifiers.

Gabriel Jesús recalled that the attacker of Paris Saint Germain was also called off from the Brazilian team that played the Copa América last year due to injury and that, without its main reference, Canarinha became champion.

According to the striker, all those summoned for the next two matches in Brazil for the qualifiers to Qatar 2022 have quality and some will have to replace the PSG attacker.

Despite an injury to the adductor that made him miss the last two games of the French club, Neymar was kept in the selection call and, although he was already ruled out for the game with Venezuela, the doctors are working to make him ready for the next Tuesday in Montevideo against Uruguay.

In addition to Neymar, Brazil will have to supply two other undisputed starters for coach Adenor Leonardo Bacchi, 'Tite', such as Philippe Coutinho and Casemiro. The first was called off due to injury and the second for having tested positive for covid-19.

“Obviously the three are players who make a difference on the field, who help the national team and that they will be needed, but there are players who can give an account of the message,” said Gabriel Jesús.

The attacker affirmed that, although in the City he plays more as a center forward, he has no problem playing as a striker in the national team in the place of Neymar.

“In the selection I play more as a striker. I have no preference. Where the coach puts me I will try to do my best,” he said.

At the same press conference, full-back Gabriel Menino, a youth called up for the second time for the qualifying rounds, expressed his honor of sharing the concentration of the Brazilian team with Gabriel Jesús, considered an idol by all the players in the lower divisions of Palmeiras , from where both arose.

“He is an incredible person and I am sure he will help me a lot in the national team. I am living a dream of being with the greats and every day that I am here I try to learn more and gain experiences so that one day I can also leave my mark, “he said.