“The club decided” – Pep Guardiola issues early verdict on Rayan Cherki as Kevin De Bruyne’s replacement | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has issued his early thoughts on Rayan Cherki coming into his squad as Kevin De Bruyne’s long-term replacement.

The France international completed his full debut for the club on Wednesday afternoon as Manchester City recorded an opening matchday win over Wydad AC in Philadelphia at the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup.

It was the first of three fixtures for Pep Guardiola and his players scheduled during the group stage format of the competition, with a meeting against Al Ain of the UAE in Atlanta, Georgia to follow this weekend.

There has been a significant level of expectation placed on the shoulders of Cherki ahead of his debut, and while many were left somewhat disappointed by his maiden showing in a sky blue shirt, his manager appears to be delighted at his presence in the squad.

Speaking after the 21-year-old’s Manchester City debut as part of a 2-0 win in Pennsylvania this week at the Club World Cup, Pep Guardiola admitted that while Kevin De Bruyne is ‘difficult’ to replace, the Frenchman has ‘incredible’ skills.

“Of course Kevin [De Bruyne] is difficult to replace we know that. For the quality he has, there is no doubt about it,” Guardiola told reporters from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia this week.

He continued, “But at same time the club decided on Rayan [Cherki] because he has incredible skills close to the box and great vision, pass in many things.

“It was just a first game with tough, tough conditions. I’m really pleased he came here.”

The early indications are that Cherki will be left out of Manchester City’s starting line-up for the clash against Al Ain on Sunday night, with Guardiola already suggesting that 10 new players could start against the Middle-Eastern opposition.

Some would expect Ederson to remain in goal, while one forced change to the starting line-up will come at right-back following Rico Lewis’ red card against Wydad and the subsequent one-match ban issued to the young defender.

Among the names that could come into the starting line-up this weekend are new signing Rayan Ait-Nouri, while the likes of Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias, and club captain Bernardo Silva could be afforded starts.