We always want Cherki in the final third, says Pep | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has made it clear that he wants Rayan Cherki to do the bulk of his work as far up the pitch as possible.

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Pep: Naming Bernardo captain was my best decision of the season

The French attacking midfielder has been key to City’s recent cup victories over Arsenal and Liverpool and appears to be growing into his role quickly in his first season at the Etihad Stadium.

With nine goals and 11 assists across all competitions, the 22-year-old has adapted to English football and the particular demands of Guardiola.

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Speaking in Friday’s press conference before our trip to Chelsea this Sunday, Guardiola made it clear that he wants Cherki to remain as close to the opposition goal as possible, where his skill can do the most damage.

“He has the ability and quality in the final third,” he said.

“That’s why I sometimes say when they go to the goalkeeper for the ball I say no, I want you there in the final third.

“They have something that I like a lot with attacking players, how they play with rhythms, accelerate, decelerate, accelerate, decelerate, then immediately attack then stop, then accelerate again.

“These players have this ability to play with the rhythm of the opponents and the vision to make the extra pass, this is what defines the best.”

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The boss even went as far to compare Cherki’s composure to that of club captain Bernardo Silva, who Guardiola has relied upon more than any other during his near 10-year reign at City.

“He’s one of the most unbelievably talented players I’ve ever seen and hopefully he can stay for longer because he has the attributes to be a top player,” said Pep, speaking of Cherki.

“The attributes he has are difficult to find, he’s the same as Bernardo, in the difficult moments and under pressure, he acts like it’s a friendly game, that it doesn’t matter, and that’s so difficult to find.

“As a manager and sporting director, it’s one of the biggest attributes I’d like to find in a player that the team signs.”

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Analysing Chelsea ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash

Erling Haaland returned to goalscoring form in last weekend’s win over Liverpool, netting his 12th hat-trick of the season.

While the Norwegian has been working hard for the team and remains clear at the top of the Premier League Golden Boot race, he had struggled to match his unbelievably prolific rate in front of goal in recent weeks.

Guardiola was delighted to see Haaland return to what he does best last weekend, pointing out the positives of a week off during the last international break.

“It’s so important for us [to see Haaland scoring],” said Pep.

“I said in November, the goals will always be there, he’s a machine, but I liked the second one, he made the movement to the near post.

“Sometimes you need a reset, it’s always in the mindset, how positive you are.

“It’s how you forget the bad shot, like in the Masters, if you make a bogey, forget it, next shot.

“That’s what defines the top athletes. Every season Erling will be better and better.”