The Palmeiras forward will join the City squad in January – but with the Brazilian title already wrapped up and a gap in their league schedule after this weekend’s games were postponed as a mark of respect after Monday’s air disaster in Colombia, he has taken time out to visit the City Football Academy and familiarise himself with his new surroundings.
Jesus joined Guardiola, Fernando and Fernandinho for a meal in Manchester city centre on Thursday evening having been shown around the club’s training facilities earlier in the day.
Guardiola feels it has been a positive experience for the youngster – but admits, given his heavy schedule in recent times, he will need a rest.
“Palmeiras won the championship so he came here to see for the first time the CFA,” Guardiola said.
“Maybe he will see the game [against Chelsea on Saturday] and after he will go back to Brazil for holidays.
“This guy was almost three years no holidays. He went to the Olympic Games and won Gold medal and after he immediately played with Palmeiras.
“He will need time to rest - maybe two weeks, three weeks, one month, I don’t know, we are going to see.
“It is just to start a little bit of contact, where he is going to live, where he is going to work, that’s all.”
City face Premier League leaders Chelsea on Saturday at the Etihad Stadium, a game being billed as crucial in the race for the title.
Guardiola says he expects a difficult test against a side who have won seven straight league matches, conceding just one goal.
“We will be cautious when they have the ball, when they use the counter-attack,” he said. When we have the ball we want to attack as much as possible. It’s will be difficult. You cannot forget, Chelsea are seven games conceding just one goal. They don’t need to create too many chances to score goals.
“They are solid in the boxes and when that happens you are good. We are going to attack in the best way possible.
“We will be cautious not to conceded [space to] Pedro and Hazard, and maybe Willian in the second-half.
“They are so, so good at using the counter-attack we want to control that aspect and create our chances. Hopefully our talented players in the middle and upfront can decide the game.”
Asked about Pedro, a player he managed during his time at Barcelona, Guardiola was full of praise.
He is likely to start for Antonio Conte’s side after a run of fine form in recent weeks.
Guardiola and Pedro enjoyed a period of huge success together at the Camp Nou, winning three La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues.
“I hope he doesn’t perform well tomorrow,” he said. “I have to thank him, he made me a better manager. He works great between the lines, near the box he’s a killer. He is one of the quickest players when it’s time to shoot.”
