Things have been looking up for Gabriel Jesus in recent weeks – he’s fit, playing regularly and, most importantly, scoring. It looks as though his confidence has returned and he’s enjoying his football again.
While it’s too early to suggest a player who has waxed and waned throughout his career has turned over a new leaf, Arsenal fans are hopeful the Brazilian can keep delivering big moments to help the club in their four-pronged quest for silverware.
Ahead of this evening’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg with Newcastle, Jesus had a simple answer when asked what’s different in an interview with Sky Sports.
“The ball is going to the net,” he said with a smile.
“Obviously every single player, when playing constantly, can get more minutes. I think everything is different. The confidence, the rhythm, everything, the impact the player can make in the team.
“It’s not just for me, but I think for everyone. I think that’s the difference. And also, I don’t stop working, I don’t stop believing in myself.
“I am a type of guy who wants to work and then who wants to be on the pitch to help, because I know if I’m on the pitch, I help more.”
Jesus’ confidence issues have been a subject for discussion since he injured his knee at the 2022 World Cup.
Struggling with persistent fitness issues for the best part of two years, he’s played like his best form is just out of reach. He’s subsequently had fewer opportunities leading to more soul-searching – not ideal for a player often accused of overthinking things.
“Maybe the reason I am so hard on myself is because I know my talent, I know what I can do,” he said.
“I know also the situation in my career and that if I’m not scoring, people will judge me a lot.
“A few people have told me about this, that I’m so hard on myself, but the place I come from, I have to work and then to try to give my best.”
He added: “I’m a very emotional guy. I’m trying to put the emotions aside and then try to be focused, like keep like strong in my mind, that sometimes the difficult times will come, but I need to be strong.
“The confidence is a huge part of a football player. If you have it, you are a different player. If you don’t, if it’s low, it’s a complete difference as well. So I’m trying to keep confidence.
“I have tried to work [with a therapist], but I’m the type of guy who speaks very little, I’m not an open guy.
“Now, I talk with my wife a lot and then before, I was with my mum and with my brothers a few times and my close friends.
“Now I’m trying to open this and get someone to speak to help me with these emotions.”
In the absence of Bukayo Saka, Arsenal could definitely do with Jesus maintaining his current run. The team needs matchwinners and he’s a guy who has the experience and know-how to be a leader heading into a defining few weeks of the season.
