Rayan Cherki finally seems to live up to the expectations placed on him since his debut at Olympique Lyonnais. During the press conference preceding the Europa League match against Eintracht Frankfurt, the young midfielder looked back on his recent development. “With what I experienced this summer, I questioned myself”, he confides, referring to a complicated period marked by irregular performances and reduced playing time.
His awareness allowed him to find the path to regularity. “We progress more when we are on the pitch than on the bench (laughs). The more you play, the better you feel, and the more automatisms you create with your teammates,” he explains. From now on, he goes through matches with pleasure and efficiency, key elements to reconnect with the high level.
Cherki discusses his rise to power
If Cherki seems transformed, he nevertheless assures that he has not radically changed his way of approaching the game. “I haven’t changed much. I’ve always loved football and work, but you don’t necessarily see it.” This shadow work, coupled with personal research, allowed him to “finding the man and the footballer I wanted to be”.
In an increasingly robotic football, Rayan Cherki claims a different style, based on pleasure and creativity. “I tried to give maximum pleasure to my teammates and the spectators”, he concludes. A speech which reflects his desire to bring a personal touch to the field while contributing to collective efficiency.
Cherki is now increasingly asserting itself as a centerpiece of Pierre Sage’s system. His return to grace is the result of awareness and a deep love for football. A rise in power which could be decisive for OL in this crucial phase of the European season.
