Man City: Mick Brown ‘confused’ by Pep Guardiola treatment of Rayan Cherki as exit doubts emerge
Pep Guardiola has faced questions about his treatment and long-term plan for Rayan Cherki at Manchester City despite what has been an impressive season.
This comes after the France international started on the bench in Man City’s 1-1 draw with West Ham, in a game where his creativity would have been valuable.
He returned to the starting XI and played 90 minutes in the 2-1 defeat against Real Madrid, but questions are being asked about his long-term role in the side.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that there is no immediate concern about Cherki as he remains very highly-rated at City.
Despite Guardiola’s tendency to rotate him out of the side despite his impressive displays, he has a key role to play and will not be part of a busy transfer window at Man City.
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VISIT THE TRANSFER HUBPep Guardiola questioned over Rayan Cherki treatment
Football Insider revealed on 15 March that Man City want Guardiola to stay beyond the end of the season amid doubts about his long-term future.
However, his recent treatment of certain players has led to questions from the supporters, with Cherki’s snub against West Ham leading to criticism.
| Rayan Cherki | Man City Stats (Last Five League Games) |
| Appearances | 5 |
| Starts | 2 |
| Minutes Played | 251 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 1 |
The player is not believed to have any immediate concerns, but should Guardiola continue to make questionable decisions, doubts may creep in.
“It’s a strange one with Cherki at Man City,” Brown told Football Insider.
“He’s played well every time I’ve seen him, he gives Man City something they don’t really get from their other players, but he can’t seem to nail down a place.
“A lot of people are confused about that, because he’s coming off the bench, showing what he can do, and then he’s on the bench again next week.
“He’s obviously very highly-regarded at Man City because he is a top player.
“So there are some questions being asked of Pep Guardiola and why he can’t get a game under him. Whether he still has to impress him, I don’t know.
“But when you’re not playing people even if they’re performing and probably deserving of a place in the side, it only leads to frustrations.
“That’s something he has to avoid and normally something he manages well, but it’s certainly an issue the fans and maybe even the player have a right to be concerned about.”
Which other attacking players could leave Man City?
While there are no current concerns about Cherki’s future at the club less than a year after he joined, a number of other forward players are considering their futures.
The likes of Omar Marmoush and Savinho have largely dropped out of the boss’ starting XI and have played bit-part roles this season, leading to concerns.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed that Phil Foden could leave Man City as contract talks have stalled due to his frustrations over a lack of playing time.
The 25-year-old was left on the bench for both Champions League clashes against Real Madrid and has started just two of Man City’s last eight league games.
Foden will have just one year left on his contract at the Etihad Stadium come the summer and there are doubts about his willingness to extend his stay.
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