Exclusive: Liverpool’s Wirtz, Man City’s Cherki face rough Premier League treatment
Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot must prepare new signings Rayan Cherki and Florian Wirtz to be on the end of frustrated, heavy tackles next season, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the pace of the Premier League will take some getting used to for Man City and Liverpool‘s new signings.
While Wirtz’s transfer has not yet been announced, Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Liverpool have agreed an “absolutely enormous” deal for the German international this summer.
Cherki has arrived at the Etihad Stadium alongside Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Ait-Nouri, with all three jetting off to America for the Club World Cup, taking on Wydad Casablanca in their opening game.
Rayan Cherki and Florian Wirtz set for Premier League football
The Frenchman was one of the trickiest players in Ligue 1 last season, and with 32 goal contributions, it is simple to see why Guardiola wanted the player in his squad so badly.
Similarly, Wirtz is well-known for his skill and talent on the pitch, able to win free-kicks, do defensive work, as well as notch 16 goals and 14 assists in 45 games across all competitions.
Much like Man City’s exit-linked Jack Grealish was at Aston Villa, and after his £100million move [BBC Sport], these two stars are likely to be targeted by players in the Premier League next season, and the managers need to prepare for that.
Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot to protect their players
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “I think referees have a duty of care to every player, ideally to have all 22 players who started the game coming back off uninjured.
“Therefore, this is why the laws of the game are created. In the early years of the game, kicking and hacking were part of the game. You want to protect skilful players.
“But what happens with the likes of Grealish, Cherki, and Wirtz is they hold onto the ball longer, standing still with the ball before making a movement. That’s when they can get clattered.
“The managers will need to prepare these players for the competition they’re in. I would suggest that the Premier League is very quick, and the thought process has to be even quicker.
“So I would suggest treating the ball like a hot potato, rather than something you would cuddle. If you cuddle it too much, you could end up on the floor from a frustrated player.
“When a player is fouled, you can see their frustration, so you need to tell them you’ve allowed the play to continue. Referees need to avoid retaliation, understand the game, and allow the game to bubble.”