Jonathan Jesus relishes run at Cruzeiro, healthy battle with Villalba

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·13 April 2026

Jonathan Jesus relishes run at Cruzeiro, healthy battle with Villalba

Cruzeiro has been improving in the Brasileirão, and after the win over Red Bull Bragantino, one of the names symbolizing this new phase is Jonathan Jesus. The center-back, who had seen limited minutes in recent weeks, earned more space under Artur Jorge and started in the last two victories — including the away win in the Copa Libertadores.

Against Bragantino, the defender once again looked solid, repeating the consistent performance he had already shown in Ecuador. After the match, in an interview with Samuca TV in Mineirão’s mixed zone, Jonathan highlighted the importance of getting a run of games and the daily work needed to earn his place in the squad.

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“A very good run. We know what the day-to-day is like in training. I’ve been giving my all in training to earn more opportunities, and I feel very grateful.”

The center-back also drew attention to the physical aspect, especially after a period without playing regularly. According to him, the intensity of a packed schedule requires quick recovery and adapting to the pace of competition.

“We know the intensity is high with one game after another, and I’ve been working hard to recover quickly. I’ve gone a few months without starting, so it’s very important for me to get these opportunities.”

The competition for places in defense has been one of Cruzeiro’s areas of improvement. Jonathan spoke about the battle for a spot with Villalba and emphasized the positive atmosphere within the group.

“Villalba is my teammate and my roommate during training camp. It’s healthy competition — when he plays, I’m happy, and when I play, he’s happy for me too. That friendship on and off the pitch is very important. I hadn’t been playing; I think my last game was against Betim. I’ve been working, and match fitness is different from training, but everything worked out well.”

Another point addressed was the support for goalkeeper Matheus Cunha, who was booed by the fans after making a mistake on Bragantino’s goal. The defender made a point of reinforcing the squad’s confidence in the No. 1.

“Playing for Cruzeiro comes with pressure. Matheus Cunha is a fantastic guy, hard-working, and he’s going to show how special he is — not only to us, but to the fans and to you (the press) as well — how important he is. We have total confidence in Matheus Cunha; if the ball comes to me, I’ll pass it to him. I’m also grateful for the opportunity the mister has been giving me.”

Jonathan Jesus began the season as a starter in the opening matches of the Campeonato Mineiro, where he played six games. Before the win over Barcelona, in which he started, the defender’s last match in the starting eleven had been against Betim in February, when he came off after 15 minutes after feeling a physical issue. The youngster was one of Artur Jorge’s picks in the last two matches and showed consistency and a good partnership with Fabrício Bruno.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.