Rayan Cherki receives Pep Guardiola plea ahead of monumental Real Madrid and Arsenal battles | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has outlined what he wants from playmaker Rayan Cherki as the Blues embark on a season-defining run of games.

City progressed to the FA Cup quarter-final by coming from behind to seal a valiant 3-1 win over Newcastle United at St. James’ Park at the weekend, with Guardiola making 10 changes to his starting XI ahead of this week’s trip to face Real Madrid.

The Blues are fighting an uphill battle to cut down Arsenal’s seven point lead at the top of the Premier League and the title race could receive a further twist when the two sides face off in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley in a few weeks.

Speaking prior to Manchester City’s 3-1 FA Cup fifth round win over Newcastle United on Saturday night, Guardiola explained at length what he wants to see from midfielder Rayan Cherki in the coming months.

How does Pep Guardiola envision Rayan Cherki’s role at Manchester City?

Cherki has established himself as architect-in-chief in his debut campaign at the Etihad Stadium since joining for £34 million from Lyon last summer.

However, the France international, 22, has great room for improvement and Guardiola spoke in great detail on how Cherki can unlock his full potential at Manchester City.

“Always I want with Rayan (Cherki), his talent, give this to us! But the only I ask, play 10 metres up front. The talent, close to Rodri, I don’t care. Close to Erling. How did the first goal (in the 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest) come? From him, close to him,” Guardiola said.

“How did the assist from Rayan Ait-Nouri come at Leeds? He (Cherki) is close to the box. Live there. Do whatever you want, but live close to there because he’s unique. It’s the only I ask. And he likes to go a little bit deep. But he’s young. But the numbers and impact in the first season in the Premier League here has been massive.”

Is Pep Guardiola satisfied with Rayan Cherki’s stint at Manchester City so far?

Guardiola has expressed his admiration for Cherki’s talent many a time this season but has maintained that there remain plenty of elements in the Frenchman’s game that can be honed.

“I’m delighted for what he gives to us, how he’s trying, and always we try to tell them to add something to his game for the team and everything,” Guardiola added on Chereki.

“Always he listens and wants to do it. I’m really surprised how open and committed he wants to do it – but I want his talent in the final third because it’s unique.

“He has vision and the pass – he’s like Kevin (De Bruyne)! When I played Kevin, I want him close to the box. I didn’t want him in the right-back position. It’s not easy because the space is minor, but he has the ability to find the small spaces to create his talent.”

Does Pep Guardiola consider Rayan Cherki as Kevin De Bruyne’s heir at Manchester City?

Cherki was Hugo Viana’s marquee playmaking signing upon the Portuguese executive’s appointment as Manchester City director of football last summer.

Guardiola has had his say on whether Cherki is somewhat similar to De Bruyne or whether the Manchester City manager would rather compare the France international to Phil Foden.

“Sometimes when we don’t have the ball, when we are not able to give two or three passes, I like Rayan Cherki (to) come (deep),” the Catalan added. “Or the players more up front coming to play, I like it.

“But when the situation is like Nottingham Forest, allowing us to go to the mid-block or deep and waiting for us there, you have to be there to win the ball. And after if you lose the ball there, it doesn’t matter, we are protected by people from behind. Common sense, I would say, not explaining something special.”

Cherki has all the talent at his disposal to develop into a world-class player at Manchester City and working under Guardiola’s tutelage will no doubt help the attacking midfielder mature into a complete footballer in the seasons to come.