Manchester City assistant coach Pepijn Lijnders admitted he was unaware of the moment involving Rayan Cherki and Hugo Ekitike during City’s commanding FA Cup victory over Liverpool, insisting after the game: “I didn’t see that.”
City eased into the semi-finals with a dominant 4-0 win over Liverpool FC, continuing their strong run of form under Pep Guardiola and extending their impressive record in domestic cup competitions.
The result also marked another success against Arne Slot’s side this season, underlining City’s superiority in recent meetings.
Cherki, who joined from Olympique Lyonnais in the summer, was central to the performance, delivering a display full of flair, intelligence and attacking intent.
The 22-year-old has steadily grown into a key creative figure for City and once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of Europe’s most exciting young talents.
From the starting minutes at the Etihad Stadium, City controlled proceedings, dictating tempo and creating chances with ease.
Cherki was at the heart of much of their attacking play, finding pockets of space and linking effectively with teammates in the final third.
His contribution this season has been significant, with 20 goal involvements across all competitions, and his performance against Liverpool highlighted his growing influence within Guardiola’s system.
One moment in particular stood out, as his vision and timing helped create a key opportunity that led to a goal for Antoine Semenyo.
It was a passage of play that reflected both his technical ability and his awareness in dangerous areas.
Lijnders, speaking after the match, praised the midfielder’s development and emphasised the importance of combining natural flair with a strong mentality.
“If you combine maverick with the willingness to win, like each day, you will become a top player,” he said.
“Because then you will change your style, not your style, you will change your technique, your creativity, and to hurt your opposition.
“And the only thing, what we are working with him is that he always receives the ball to hurt the opposition, because you saw the pass to, the ball passed to Antoine (Semenyo) today (leading to City’s second goal against Liverpool).”
He continued: “The feeling, the timing, when he faces the goal, he becomes so, so dangerous. And it’s for all the other players to make sure that he receives these balls in these kind of pockets, and in these kinds of spaces.”
While Cherki’s attacking qualities were evident, Lijnders also highlighted improvements in other areas of his game.
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“But if you saw today, the work ethic without the ball, then I think it defines Cherki this season, how he is growing. But he’s still not (perfect) and he knows this as well, he wants to improve as well.”
Shirt exchange draws attention during the match
Despite his standout display, it was an off-ball moment late in the match that drew widespread attention. After being substituted for Phil Foden, Cherki was seen exchanging shirts with Ekitike while the game was still ongoing.
The gesture, typically reserved for after the final whistle, prompted a reaction from teammates, who appeared to advise against putting on the Liverpool shirt so soon.
Cherki responded by raising his hand in acknowledgement, seemingly recognising the unusual timing of the exchange.
Lijnders, however, said he had not witnessed the incident during the game.
“I didn’t see that,” he said, before adding with a laugh: “I would not understand why.”
