Brazil also revealed their 23-man squad with four City players making the cut.
Gabriel Jesus was a shoe-in and he’s been telling ESPN he’s feeling fit and sharp ahead of the trip to Russia – plus revealing his obsession for Panini stickers!
The article reads: “Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus says he’s returning to his best form after an MCL injury significantly hampered his season this term.
“Brazil boss Tite has indicated he’ll initially call on Jesus to be his first-choice No. 9 heading into this summer’s World Cup. However, the 21-year-old will face competition from in-form Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino.
‘I am very self-critical and always will be. I think this makes me want to improve, always,’ he said.
‘But just because I’m self-critical and say what I thought of my performance in a game, it doesn’t mean I will bring myself down, ever. This is a point that just makes me improve. If I see that I didn’t do well, I am going to want to get better, always. This only helps me out.’
BRAZIL ANNOUNCE SQUAD: Four Blues included
“Because of his injury and then sharing minutes with fellow City striker Sergio Aguero this season, Jesus stands to arrive in Russia fresh, having played in just 42 games in all competitions.
“Asked if the rest will benefit him in Russia, Jesus said: ‘It depends. I, particularly, in my case, I don’t think it would be a problem, because I practice very hard, I take care of myself and I’m young.
‘So, I always want to run, I always want to play. But, of course, I will get there a little less worn out.’
“One aspect of the World Cup Jesus surely won’t tire of, however, is collecting World Cup stickers for his Panini book.
“A lifelong collector, Jesus has gotten a thrill out of finally having a sticker of his own to add.
“He said: ‘Man, you look at it and you don’t believe it because you used to collect the stickers of so many players and, today, yours is there. You get your own and you see everyone talking about it, you see everyone wanting to get your sticker.’
Meanwhile several websites have picked up on yesterday’s sneak preview of the long-awaited Amazon documentary, due to be aired on Prime this autumn,
The Sportsman lead the way as they write: “Manchester City have released the first trailer for their eagerly-awaited Amazon Prime documentary series and it looks fascinating.
“Having optimistically announced the documentary at the beginning of the season, even knowing how it ends doesn’t dilute the anticipation for this fairly unique television experience.
“Manager Pep Guardiola has made good on his promise and delivered the title to the Etihad, breaking several records along the way. A film crew has been following the Cityzens almost every step as they have marched through the Premier League, defeating every single other team at some point of their campaign, scoring more goals and gaining more points than any team before them.
“Diving head-first into hyperbole with the distinct title of ‘All or Nothing’, the series promises the delve behind the scenes of one of the Premier League’s top clubs as they work their way to their fifth title as champions of England’s top division.”
Should be fantastic.
Finally, City bounced back to form in the Women’s Super League last night with a comfortable win over Yeovil.
The FA Women’s Super League quote Nikita Parris, who has edged the Blues to just one win away from Champions League qualification.
It reads: “Parris focused on securing second place in the FA Women’s Super League in order to gain a spot in next year’s Uefa Women’s Champions League.
“The winger bagged a hat-trick, alongside a superb Claire Emslie stunner and an Izzy Christiansen penalty, as City inched closer to next season’s European competition with a 5-0 victory over Yeovil Town.
“With Arsenal Women still chasing the second spot in the table just a point behind City, the 24-year-old is keen to solidify their place in the standings against Everton on Sunday.
‘It’s massive to be one step closer to a spot in next year’s UWCL as it’s been a disappointing season for us as we haven’t won any trophies,’ Parris explained to ManCity.com ‘But to secure a place in the competition next year is what this club needs.
‘We always talk about how important getting the three points is in games like this and I know we are determined to keep on winning. We’ve got a lot of developing players in our team and we are in a good place so we need to keep on with it.
‘It’s always good to win and get back to winning ways but it’s about the performance and the team and making sure we are gelling well together.”
That’s it for today – more of the same tomorrow.
