Pep Guardiola has once again spoken glowingly about Rayan Cherki, insisting the young forward’s future depends largely on how far he wants to push himself. Speaking ahead of Manchester City’s Premier League meeting with Nottingham Forest, Guardiola reflected on Cherki’s ceiling.
His comments, shared by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account, follow recent praise from the City boss, who previously described Cherki as one of the most gifted players he has coached, as reported by SoftFootball in a coverage of Guardiola’s admiration for the Frenchman’s ability.
Fabrizio Romano posted:
Pep Guardiola on Rayan Cherki: The sky is the limit – the people say that, right?.
It depends on his limits, what does he want to become – he can achieve it because of course he’s an incredibly talented player.
Guardiola’s words come after Cherki’s growing influence in recent matches, including moments of flair that have caught the eye of fans and pundits alike. His audacious rabona assist during City’s comfortable win over Sunderland sparked widespread debate online, with supporters declaring that momentum is firmly on City’s side as Cherki continues to grow in confidence
Still, Guardiola was careful not to romanticise raw talent alone. He stressed that discipline, work rate, and understanding the simple parts of the game remain non-negotiable.
According to him, every correction he gives is meant to push players to be better, not to restrict them. Cherki’s freedom on the ball is valued, but only when balanced with defensive effort and tactical responsibility.
Guardiola admitted, offering a clear message beneath the praise:
If he doesn’t work, then we have a problem.
Since arriving from Lyon for £30.5 million in June 2025, Cherki’s journey at City has not been completely smooth. Early injury issues slowed his rhythm, but his return has been steady and convincing.
He has now started five matches in a row alongside Phil Foden, with City winning all five, including the confident 3-0 victory over Sunderland at the Etihad.
Off the pitch, Cherki has also worked to change perceptions. Videos of him training through the Christmas break surfaced online, easing concerns about professionalism that followed him from France.
While competition for France’s national team remains intense, Guardiola’s faith suggests Cherki is in the right place to grow. For now, the talent is clear. What comes next, as Guardiola hinted, depends on Cherki himself.
