It is notable that even Guardiola expressed, through his gestures and words, a certain discomfort with Cherki’s more daring actions.
He shook his head when the young man juggled the ball during the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal, a gesture considered too ostentatious, then he invited him to take inspiration from Lionel Messi and favor simplicity after his magnificent rabona assist against Sunderland.
In recent weeks, however, the playmaker has been so brilliant and decisive in City’s run behind Arsenal that Guardiola eventually concluded it was best to let Cherki be Cherki.
Just before facing Chelsea, the coach said: “Rayan is a really, really special player. He’s a bit of a free soul. I am a coach who likes control, we know that. So sometimes, from the sidelines, it’s so, so hard to watch. My heart… pff.
When he gets the ball and begins his feints, my first instinct is to shout: “Rayan, please play simple!” » But if, against Chelsea, I tell him to stop, I risk breaking the player and stifling his exceptional quality. What he achieved against Arsenal or Liverpool is simply incredible.
So I want to see that again. If he feels it, let him do it. Go out there, express yourself, have fun and show the world how strong you are. »
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