- Rayan Cherki has delivered a title-race message
- Man City are still trying to chase down Arsenal
- The Frenchman has enjoyed an impressive season
Rayan Cherki has made it clear that Manchester City are still alive in the Premier League title race, with the Frenchman insisting that Pep Guardiola’s side will not give up while hope remains.
City head into Sunday’s clash against Brentford knowing the margin for error is extremely small. Pep Guardiola’s side are five points behind Arsenal with a game in hand.
However, they still have a chance to apply pressure before the Gunners face West Ham on Sunday. Nevertheless, City have to take care of their own business first.
Likewise, Rayan Cherki has now underlined the mentality of the squad heading into the final weeks of the season.
Rayan Cherki sends Man City title message
Cherki says City are focused on winning every game between now and the end of the campaign. Following their latest result, not doing so will only result in Arsenal winning the league.
Man City drew 3-3 against Everton in what was their latest Premier League clash. Likewise, the Citizens are left with no margin for error if they’d want a chance at the title.
“As long as there’s hope, there’s life, so we’re not going to give up. I think you have to win every game, try to get as many clean sheets as possible, score as many goals as possible”, the Frenchman said.
The 22-year-old also mentioned that the club remains in the same mindset since the FIFA Club World Cup last year.
“The only thing on our minds is victory. We’re still in the same frame of mind we’ve been in since the start of the season. Our mindset hasn’t changed since the Club World Cup,” Cherki added.
Cherki and Guardiola share same football idea
Cherki also mentioned how working with Guardiola has been an unbelievable experience, as both want to always have the ball and attack.
He also mentioned that the Catalan gaffer offers freedom on the ball despite the manager’s defensive demands.
“It’s true that working with Pep is extraordinary because he has a vision of football that is very similar to mine. Pep gives us a lot of freedom to express everything we want, all our talents on the pitch.” Cherki said.
He added, “Defensively, we try to produce a team effort, and then offensively, we try to express our talents all together, so that we can score as many goals as possible and simply be the best on the pitch.”
Cherki has become a major Guardiola weapon
Despite doubts over his fit under the Catalan manager, Cherki is having one of the best campaigns of his career.
Since joining from Lyon last summer, the 22-year-old has been a highly creative presence in the final third.
The attacker has scored four goals and made 11 assists in 18 Premier League starts this season. The Frenchman is just behind Bruno Fernandes for most assists in the English top-flight.
This output is why Guardiola trusts him in major moments. He gives the Sky Blues something different, playing with a higher risk profile and confidence between the lines.
