It has been at the heart of the debates since Thursday evening. Starting against Ukraine (4-0 victory) for his third selection, Rayan Cherki disappointed. His performance, considered too individualistic and full of “superfluous gestures”, earned him the wrath of certain observers, such as Jérôme Rothen who felt that he was “making fun of the world”. A performance which will cost him his starting place this Sunday in Azerbaijan. While he is singled out, the Manchester City player took advantage of an interview broadcast in
Téléfoot to deliver his own analysis, responding indirectly to his detractors.
“Rayan Cherki is the most anticipated”: He assumes his role as creator
Without ever mentioning the criticism head-on, Cherki justified his approach to the game. Analyzing his own performance, he explained: “I tried to create gaps, bring as much danger as possible. » Then, speaking of himself in the third person in a formula which is sure to provoke a reaction, he assumed his status: “ Facing the low blocks, Rayan Cherki is the most anticipated. » A way of saying that his role is, by nature, to try, to dribble and to take risks, even if this does not please everyone. He concedes a “good match overall”, but admits to knowing that he “can do better”.
“Not boring to coach”: Cherki defends against preconceived ideas
The other recurring criticism of him, which has followed him since his years in Lyon, concerns his attitude and his alleged difficulty in being managed. Here again, the player defended himself from the clichĂ©s. “ I’m not boring to coach, I’m a simple person,” he said. “I like to give pleasure to people. You put me on the field, I try to do what I have to do. » A clear response to those who, like Rothen, were worried about his “state of mind” in the blue jersey.
“Rayan Cherki is the most anticipated”: the player’s cash response to his critics
Objective: “Play the old-fashioned way” but remain effective
So what is his objective this season, when he must take a step forward at Manchester City? Cherki claims an uninhibited approach: “ Play my football, don’t look at the stats, be old-fashioned. » A state of mind which seems to collide directly with the demands of Didier Deschamps. Aware of this paradox, he immediately added: “But I still have to be in the same ballpark compared to my stats from last season. » A difficult balance to find between its “kiffer” DNA and the efficiency required at the very highest level.
An answer that will not calm doubts
In summary, Rayan Cherki’s response to his detractors is clear: he will not change his game, because that is what makes him strong. His exit, where he speaks of himself in the third person, may be seen as a sign of confidence by some, or as a touch of megalomania by others. One thing is certain: this interview will not calm the debates. While he should start on the bench this evening in Azerbaijan, Cherki knows that he has “burned a joker” with Didier Deschamps and that he will have to quickly prove that his “old-fashioned” style can also be at the service of the collective.
