Pep Guardiola is so impressed by Rayan Cherki that the Manchester City manager expressed a desire to kiss the “incredible” French star after his outstanding performance in Saturday’s 2-1 win at Nottingham
Forest.
Cherki is quickly becoming City’s most influential playmaker in his first season in Manchester, following a summer transfer from Lyon.
The exceptionally talented 22-year-old has occasionally frustrated Guardiola by over-complicating plays when a simple pass would suffice, but he demonstrated his remarkable skills effectively at the City Ground.
Cherki provided a perfectly weighted pass to set up Tijjani Reijnders’ second-half opener and then scored City’s decisive late winner with a precise shot from just inside the area after Omari Hutchinson had equalised for Forest.
“I want to allow him to express his incredible talent. We have to play better from the back so he can get more balls from that position. The second half was a little bit better,” Guardiola said.
“There are moments I shout at him and there are moments I want to kiss him.”
City’s sixth consecutive win in the Premier League elicited a joyful response from Guardiola, who was serenaded by City’s travelling fans as he celebrated with them after the final whistle.
Guardiola’s team was not at their best against a determined Forest side, making the hard-fought victory particularly satisfying for the Spaniard.
They often struggled in similar situations last season, including a 1-0 loss at the City Ground in March.
Guardiola acknowledged that his team would have buckled under Forest’s aggressive tactics last season.
Instead, they are now firmly in contention for a title that would stand among Guardiola’s finest achievements after his rebuilding efforts over the past year.
“I know the memory is weak but when we won the six Premier Leagues, these types of games have a lot, so this is a massive three points,” he said.
“Mainly for the quality of the opposition. Sean Dyche has created a proper team. It’s a top, top side.
“It’s much more important how you suffer and defend and accept you are not playing good and accept you can be better. Otherwise there is no chance. Last season that game is lost 10 for 10.”
(With inputs from Agencies)
