- Rayan Cherki speaks on relationship with Pep Guardiola
- The pair get on well
- Moments of mutual frustration still occur
Rayan Cherki has spilled the tea on his relationship with Pep Guardiola, detailing exactly how they feel about each other.
Manchester City have looked superb in recent weeks and some of this noticeable improvement must be credited to Rayan Cherki.
The Frenchman delivered a special performance in the FA Cup quarter-final victory over Liverpool, causing the Reds all sorts of problems.
Cherki’s assisted through pass for Antoine Semenyo’s goal was a joy to behold and he combined with the Ghanaian again to set up Erling Haaland.
With the 22-year-old starting three successive matches, it definitely seems like he is becoming more favourable to Pep Guardiola.
Rayan Cherki describes Pep Guardiola relationship at Man City
Speaking to France Football (as relayed by Sev on X), Cherki has talked about his ‘good relationship’ with Guardiola.
Keeping things real, Cherki has explained that there are moments when they want to scream at each other. However, on the whole the City pairing get on well.
“He is perhaps tougher than other coaches, but he loves all the players, Cherki said.
“We have a good relationship. We laugh and talk often. He is hard with me, I am hard with him too, it’s important for me.
“When I’m not happy, he knows it. When I’m on the pitch, I’m happy, he knows it. It goes both ways. It’s a human relationship.
“Pep speaks of “moments when screams at you and moments when (he) wants to kiss you” – It’s the same for me,” he continued.
“There are moments when I am annoyed, moments when I want to take him in my arms. It’s the human relationship.
“My father, my mother, I love them to death, but my mother, my brother, everyone but sometimes we want to scream at each other.”
Cherki has become important to Guardiola
Throughout January and February, Cherki’s playing time was limited in the Premier League, despite the fact his minutes had risen in December.
Guardiola sought to justify this by claiming that it was hard to maintain stability with Cherki in the team, while also highlighting his lack of speed.
These comments were not taken well at the time by Man City supporters and it would seem Guardiola has experienced a change of heart.
After all, it is impossible to argue that Cherki does not belong in the first-team when examining his recent performances.
The attacker is a creative spark with bags of potential, and what he might not have in speed, he makes up for with his passing.
Cherki needs a manager who allows him to play with freedom
One of the most interesting aspects of Cherki’s improved minutes is that he is no longer being forced to play a certain way.
Guardiola is known to have very specific requirements for his wingers, which could ultimately feel like limitations. Jack Grealish is a fine example, as he seemed to thrive upon arriving at Everton, due to the fact he was at liberty to cut inside and take risks.
Cherki, on the other hand, has been able to find his freedom while starting under Guardiola. The magician has that swagger about him and he rarely looks to play it safe.
However, with Guardiola leaving Man City, potentially as early as this summer, Cherki will need to adapt to the demands of a new boss.
It is so important for the France international that whoever comes in favours attacking football, where risks are allowed to be taken.
If this type of play is seen as less desirable, Cherki could end up spending more time on the bench again, which would be a waste of his extraordinary talents.
