Pep Guardiola said he wanted to kiss Rayan Cherki after the Frenchman’s starring role in Manchester City’s 2-1 Premier League victory at Nottingham Forest
PEP Guardiola said he wanted to kiss Rayan Cherki after the Frenchman’s starring role in Manchester City’s 2-1 Premier League victory at Nottingham Forest.
The City boss was smitten by the “incredible” talent of the 22-year-old playmaker, who set up the opener and scored a late winner.
Cherki provided a perfectly weighted pass for Tijjani Reijnders’ second-half goal before drilling in the decisive strike from inside the area.
“I want to allow him to express his incredible talent,” Guardiola said after the match.
“There are moments I shout at him and there are moments I want to kiss him.”
The victory was City’s sixth successive win in the league, sparking a jubilant celebration from Guardiola in front of the travelling fans.
He admitted his side were far from their best against a gritty Forest team managed by Sean Dyche.
Guardiola said the battling nature of the win was meaningful, especially after a 1-0 loss at the same ground last season.
“I know the memory is weak but when we won the six Premier Leagues, these types of games have a lot, so this is a massive three points,” he stated.
The City boss praised Dyche for creating a “proper team” and a “top, top side”.
He emphasised the importance of his team’s resilience when not playing at their peak.
“Last season that game is lost 10 for 10,” Guardiola concluded.
