Manchester City forward Rayan Cherki enjoys working with ‘crazy’ Pep Guardiola and pledged to bring joy to the club’s supporters after producing a performance that reignited excitement around his potential.
The Frenchman, who recently returned from injury, played a starring role in City’s 3-1 victory over Swansea City in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday night, a result that secured Pep Guardiola’s men a place in the quarter-finals.
Cherki finds his rhythm in crucial cup win
For the 22-year-old, the match in South Wales marked an important personal milestone. Cherki, who has been steadily regaining his rhythm following his time on the sidelines, reminded everyone of the flair and creativity that made him one of Europe’s most highly regarded young talents.
Against a spirited Swansea side, he injected pace, imagination, and technical precision into Manchester City’s attack, sparking a second-half turnaround that sealed their progression in the competition.
City initially trailed after Swansea scored a stunning opener, but Guardiola’s players showed their trademark composure. As the match wore on, their control grew, and Cherki’s influence became more pronounced.
His sharp assist for Omar Marmoush’s equaliser turned the tide, before he put the result beyond doubt with a composed finish deep into stoppage time.
Speaking to reporters after the game, the France international opened up about what it’s like to work under one of football’s most innovative managers.
“It’s very good,” he told Manchester Evening News. “He’s crazy like me – two crazy guys! We talk about everything, it’s unbelievable.”
Cherki’s enthusiasm for football shone through as he reflected on his daily life at City.
“Football is all my life. I eat football, I sleep football, I shower football,” he said with a smile. “We have a big team and we want to win all the games. We don’t want repeats of the last game [against Aston Villa].”
Rayan Cherki enjoys working with ‘crazy’ Pep Guardiola shows his passion for the sport and his determination to contribute to City’s relentless pursuit of success. The former Lyon man is gradually finding his place in a squad filled with world-class players and appears to be relishing the challenge.
“I feel very good because with these players it’s simple,” he added. “We speak the same football so when we are on the pitch we take pleasure.”
The win over Swansea not only boosted confidence within the team but also reaffirmed Cherki’s value as an emerging creative force in Guardiola’s system.
His ability to glide past defenders, link up play, and maintain composure in decisive moments offers City another attacking dimension — one that could prove vital in the months ahead as fixtures pile up across multiple competitions.
The upcoming weeks will provide ample opportunity for the Frenchman to continue building momentum. Manchester City face Brentford in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, while also juggling Premier League and Champions League commitments.
As Guardiola manages his squad through the demanding winter schedule, Cherki’s versatility and freshness could make him an increasingly important figure.
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City fans have already seen flashes of his ability since his arrival, but Wednesday’s showing may be remembered as the night his season truly began. With confidence restored and trust growing between player and manager, Cherki now looks set to play a greater role in the club’s pursuit of silverware.
Pep Guardiola has long been known for nurturing technically gifted players who think creatively on the pitch, and Cherki fits that mould perfectly.
If he continues to perform with the same flair and confidence, he could soon become a regular fixture in Guardiola’s plans at Manchester City.
