Pep has always been my vision of football, says Cherki | OneFootball

Rayan Cherki says Pep Guardiola’s style of football was a key reason for joining City and that the Catalan has already a major impact on his development.

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The 22-year-old arrived at the Etihad from Lyon last summer and, after an initial bedding in period, is proving why his signature was so coveted.

Playing in the fluid attacking midfield roles and linking up closely with the likes of Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku, Cherki has produced seven assists and four goals in 18 appearances so far this season.

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Having been in senior football since he was 16, the French playmaker has already amassed significant experience.

However, he says his first six months with Guardiola has had a big influence on him.

“It’s the intensity he puts into football every day, he began.

“It’s really incredible to see all the energy he has for the sport.

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“It’s really impressive to see the high energy and the emotional intensity he brings to his work on a daily basis.

“Pep has always been my vision of football. Ever since I entered the professional world, Pep has always been the vision of football that I had in my head, that I wanted to play.

“So obviously, when I came here, everything became clearer for me, everything became simpler for me, and I think it’s the perfect combination.”

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As well as providing goals and assists, Cherki has caught the eye with some breathtaking moments of vision and skill.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s clash with Chelsea, our No.10 made it clear this is the way he’s always been.

“If I had to describe my game, I like beautiful things. I love football,” he said.

“I like to see it with emotion. I like my team-mates to enjoy themselves. I like to be effective.

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“It’s all about being effective and to give pleasure to my team-mates, to give pleasure to the fans.

“Not all lives are easy and when the fans come to the stadium, it’s to enjoy 90 minutes of pure pleasure and forget everything.

“And that’s what I’m here for, but at the same time I want to be effective. That’s the objective.”

One of those key relationships on and off the pitch is with Erling Haaland, who again leads the way for goals in the Premier League with 19 so far.

The pair appear to have developed an instant connection when it comes to creating and taking chances and Cherki says this is in part down to their personalities off the pitch.

“I think he quickly saw that I’m someone who likes to laugh, who likes to have a good time, and I think he’s the same.

“So, I think that when two people are on the same wavelength, it’s bound to work out.

“And if they hit it off the pitch, they’re bound to hit it on it, and we’re very happy with that relationship.”

At the halfway point in Cherki’s maiden campaign in England, City are second in the Premier League with 41 points – four behind leaders Arsenal.

We’re also handily placed in the Champions League league phase and through to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.

Looking ahead, Cherki is enthusiastic about what could happen in the second half of th season.

“I think we have what it takes to win as many matches as possible, to win as many trophies as possible,” he stated.

“We know that every match is different. Every match is a challenge. But we’re ready.

“We have a huge amount of quality to win as many matches as possible.

“We approach each match differently, but we’ve got so much talent and so much strength in depth.”

City v Brighton tickets on general sale

We welcome an entertaining Brighton side to the Etihad at 19:30 (UK) on Wednesday 7 January.

And with tickets now on general sale, you could be there to see it!

Fans can now claim three tickets each, with adults from £30 and concessions as low as £15.

Or make it a night to remember with hospitality packages starting from just £180 per person and a wide range of experiences available to suit your budget.

Kick off the new year in style!