🔗 Share this article

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, who has guided legends such as Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta, and Xavi, stated that Cherki ranks among the most skillful individuals he has ever seen and is sure the winger will adopt the collective mentality at the club.

Recovery Update

The 22-year-old, who signed for the Sky Blues from the French club for a fee of £30.5 million in time for the FIFA Club World Cup in June, has featured in just seven outings to date. Coming back from a thigh problem, he had a short appearance in the success versus Everton at the weekend, in which he came close to assisting a goal for Erling Haaland.

Now, he has travelled to face Villarreal where he earn his Champions League debut for the club.

Coach’s View

Despite asking for understanding, the boss struggled to put into words his talent, suggesting that the only concern might be how he fits in to the system and gets used to performing basic actions well.

“Cherki is one of the greatest stars I have ever seen throughout my coaching life,” Guardiola said, exhaling deeply. “In terms of skill he is top-class. The issue is how he adapts and how he reads the game, what every action needs. He started in the intercontinental cup, but then he was sidelined. It’s about taking it gradually, though his skill is clear: I feel that often when the play finds him, things get better.

“Not every time try to do incredible actions; he ought to play simple football. Still, he owns a special quality. Like the pass to Haaland late in the game, along with numerous other things he is capable of.

“He is someone unfazed by pressure in possession. He resembles a street footballer. He gets frustrated – ‘give me the ball’ – if he’s not involved, clearly. He’s been here for a brief period at the club; it requires some time since it’s vital to play together.”

Inquired if the youngster will adapt into the team ethos, the manager answered: “Yes, definitely. Such individuals have great feel, incredibly bright. They see everything.”

Kudos for the Midfielder

Guardiola additionally commended the midfielder, who is likely to feature in central midfield. The Spanish midfielder has travelled back to his old team, and should be celebrated before the match at the Estadio de la Cerámica, though he misses out because of a fitness issue.

Guardiola noted: “I believe that Nico is progressing steadily. We are extremely satisfied with his behavior and he ought to develop further. He is refined, receptive, a great character. His parents must be very proud of him as a human and athlete he’s grown into. He needs to stay true, but when you play alongside top players, you continuously improve. You see how your game can improve, but Nico has to be himself, certainly.”

City’s Upward Trend

The manager additionally expressed delight regarding the team’s recent performances. “We net a lot of goals, producing a wealth of chances, while also letting in very few. It’s only eight Premier League matches and two on the continental stage, though I sense that each game is better than the one before and will be surpassed by the following.

“We talk about often ways to enhance and methods to read the game improve. I hold strong confidence in the team and I’m aware they are working hard. We are in very good form.”