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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola spoke about Rayan Cherki after their 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League
Pep Guardiola wants his Manchester City team to unlock even more from Rayan Cherki after the summer signing won them the game against Nottingham Forest. Having set their first goal up for Tijjani Reijnders, the Blues were heading for a draw until Cherki struck late on as he lashed home after Josko Gvardiol had knocked down a Phil Foden corner.
Cherki had to bide his time for a chance after his summer move, with injury forcing him to miss a chunk of the season almost as soon as he had scored off the bench on debut. Guardiola has also hinted that the France international's lack of defensive work has resulted in him seeing more time out of the starting XI.
However, he has played his way into becoming one of Guardiola's first names on the teamsheet and Forest was his sixth consecutive start. If he has benefitted in part from an injury to Jeremy Doku and the absence of Omar Marmoush, he has taken full advantage.
Guardiola has been keen to keep Cherki's feet on the floor as his performances have started to take off. However, the manager did admit before the Forest game that the sky was the limit for the 22-year-old and even if he has moments where he will frustrate his manager the playmaker has convinced him that he should be even more central to the team.
"Incredible assist, winning goal," said Guardiola. "There are moments I want to shout at him and moments I want to kiss him. 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. Forest can win the second balls, it’s a strength. Sean (Dyche) has created a really good team in that."
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