‘There are moments I want to kiss him’ — Guardiola on Man City hero Cherki

Pep Guardiola could barely hide his emotions after Rayan Cherki’s match-winning display inspired Manchester City to a dramatic 2–1 Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest.

A result that showed both the Frenchman’s brilliance and his manager’s complicated relationship with him.

Cherki once again proved decisive at the City Ground, first setting up Tijjani Reijnders’ opener before scoring an 83rd-minute winner to seal all three points for the champions.

His impact prompted Guardiola to offer a candid assessment of what it is like managing the gifted France international.

“There are moments I shout at him and there are moments I want to kiss him, so I have that ambivalent feeling with him,” Guardiola admitted after the match.

The City boss explained that his challenge is striking the balance between discipline and freedom, adding that he wants to “allow him to express his incredible talent” while also improving the team’s build-up play to get Cherki more involved.

Guardiola felt City were sharper after the break, describing the second half as “a little bit better” following a frustrating opening period.

Despite Forest matching City for long spells and levelling through Omari Hutchinson shortly after half-time, Cherki produced the decisive moment of quality late on.

His strike capped another standout performance in what has been an impressive debut Premier League campaign, with two goals and seven assists from 13 appearances.

The victory made it six league wins in a row for City and moved them ominously closer to the summit. Guardiola admitted it was the type of gritty encounter his side would have lost last season, praising his players’ resilience and ability to suffer.

As City continue their title push, Cherki’s growing influence suggests Guardiola may experience many more moments of frustration and affection before the season is over.