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Palmeiras coach defends Gabriel Jesus amid goal drought

Xinhua, October 31, 2016 Adjust font size:

Palmeiras coach Cuca has leapt to the defense of Brazil international striker Gabriel Jesus after the teenager's goalless run in the Brazilian Serie A championship extended to seven matches.

Gabriel looked out of sorts as Palmeiras lost 1-0 away to Santos on Saturday. Despite the result, the Sao Paulo outfit remain firm title favorites, leading second-placed Flamengo by five points with five matches remaining.

"He's being heavily marked," Cuca told a news conference. "[Today] we tried him at center forward then on the left, then on the right but he wasn't able to find space. It was just one of those days. They happen with all great players."

Gabriel, who scored 10 goals from his first 14 league matches this season, has netted just once for Palmeiras since being signed by Manchester City in August.

However his form at international level has been superb, with four goals from as many matches.

"Despite being so young he is crucial to the team," Cuca said. "I have to try to help him rediscover his best form so that he can make a difference in the home straight."

Jesus will join his new teammates at the Etihad stadium in January.

Palmeiras, who are bidding for their first Brazilian Serie A title since 1994, are five points ahead of second-placed Flamengo with five games remaining. Endit