Cherki v Maresca could be one of stories of the season
August 27, 2026 14:31
Rayan Cherki came off the bench against Bournemouth and supplied two decisive set-piece contributions that helped Manchester City overturn the match and secure Enzo Maresca’s first Premier League victory in charge. The France playmaker appeared visibly unhappy at not starting but produced the assists that produced the late goals.
After the game Maresca praised Cherki’s quality and usefulness in tight attacking situations, while footage showed the manager and player in a close post-match exchange; neither man has disclosed what was discussed.
KEY CONTEXT
- Cherki was included in the PFA Team of the Year and was among the nominees for Young Player of the Year at the awards in Manchester.
- Since the start of last season he has created 12 assists from open play — the most of any Premier League player in that span.
- Under Pep Guardiola last season Cherki made 33 Premier League appearances, 14 of them from the bench.
- At the recent World Cup he had limited minutes: a single start (the third-place play-off v England) and 124 minutes overall for France, and videos circulated showing him appearing displeased with coach Didier Deschamps.
- City’s chief executive Ferran Soriano, in the club’s Amazon documentary, said that pre-signing scouting had flagged concerns about Cherki’s attitude and described him as “chaotic”; City signed him from Lyon for £30m in June 2025.
WHY IT MATTERS
Cherki’s creativity from open play is a clear on-field asset — his assists can change tight games late on — but his intermittent starts and visible frustration underline a selection and temperament issue for a club balancing squad depth and match plans. How Maresca manages Cherki’s minutes and emotions could affect both the player’s development and City’s attacking options in matches where moments of individual quality are needed.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Manchester City travel to Crystal Palace on Friday; Cherki will be seeking a starting spot after his cameo against Bournemouth, but Maresca has said selection will depend on the game plan and opponent.
- The content and consequences of Maresca’s post-match conversation with Cherki remain undisclosed.
- Whether Cherki can translate high creative output into a regular starting role without public displays of frustration is an open question.
KEY FACTS
- Cherki provided two set-piece-related assists after coming on as a substitute v Bournemouth.
- He has 12 assists from open play since the start of last season — more than any other Premier League player in that timeframe.
- Named in the PFA Team of the Year and nominated for Young Player of the Year.
- Made 33 Premier League appearances last season under Guardiola, 14 as a substitute.
- Played 124 minutes at the World Cup; started only the third-place play-off against England.
- City paid £30m to sign him from Lyon in June 2025; club executives had previously reported concerns about his attitude.