Pep Guardiola has never been a manager who hides his emotions. He lives football deeply, feels every pass, every mistake, every moment of magic. And after Manchester City’s hard-fought 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, the Spanish manager once again showed that emotional side when he spoke about his relationship with one of his most exciting players, Rayan Cherki. With a smile and his usual honesty, Guardiola summed it up in a sentence that quickly went viral. There are moments, he said, when he wants to shout at the young Frenchman, and there are moments when he wants to kiss him. That, Guardiola explained, is the definition of an ambivalent relationship.
The words came after Cherki had once again played the role of hero for Manchester City. In a tense Premier League match full of pressure, physical battles, and nervous moments, it was the 22-year-old midfielder who stepped forward late in the game to decide the contest. His low volley in the 83rd minute broke Nottingham Forest hearts and kept City’s title challenge very much alive. For Guardiola, it was another reminder of why he pushed so hard to bring Cherki to the Etihad, and also why managing him can sometimes be so frustrating.
The match itself was not an easy one for Manchester City. The City Ground has become a difficult place for visiting teams, especially those chasing trophies. Nottingham Forest, under Sean Dyche, have built a reputation as a strong, aggressive, well-organised side that refuses to make life easy for anyone. From the first whistle, Forest made it clear that City would have to suffer if they wanted the three points.
The first half was tight and cagey. Manchester City dominated possession as expected, but their usual smooth rhythm was missing. Passes were slower, movement was not as sharp, and Forest defended with discipline and hunger. Guardiola stood on the touchline, waving his arms, urging his players to move the ball quicker and find spaces. But Forest stayed compact, blocking passing lanes and fighting for every second ball
For Rayan Cherki, the opening 45 minutes were mixed. There were moments when his natural talent was clear. A clever turn here, a sudden burst of acceleration there. But there were also moments when he lost the ball cheaply or tried to do too much. Each time it happened, Guardiola reacted instantly, shouting instructions, sometimes throwing his arms into the air in frustration. This is the other side of Cherki’s game, the side that tests his manager’s patience.
After a goalless first half, Manchester City came out with more purpose in the second period. Guardiola later admitted that his team were not at their best overall, but he felt there was an improvement after the break. Just three minutes into the second half, City finally found the breakthrough. Tijjani Reijnders arrived at the right moment and finished calmly to give the visitors the lead. It was a relief for Guardiola and his players, who knew how important it was to score first in such a difficult away game.
However, the joy did not last long. Nottingham Forest responded immediately, showing exactly why Guardiola praised them so highly after the match. Just six minutes after City took the lead, Omari Hutchinson found the net for the hosts, sending the City Ground into celebration. Suddenly, the momentum had shifted again. Forest believed. The crowd believed. And City were reminded that this was not going to be a comfortable afternoon.
As the game moved into its final stages, tension filled the stadium. Both teams pushed for a winner, but also feared making the mistake that could cost them everything. Guardiola paced up and down the touchline, constantly communicating with his players. Sean Dyche, on the other side, urged his team forward, demanding energy and aggression.
Then came the moment that defined the match. In the 83rd minute, the ball broke kindly on the edge of the box, and Rayan Cherki reacted quicker than anyone else. Without hesitation, he struck a low volley that flew past the goalkeeper and into the net. It was a goal of instinct, technique, and confidence. In that instant, Cherki showed exactly why Guardiola sometimes wants to kiss him.
The away end exploded. Cherki ran towards his teammates, arms outstretched, knowing he had delivered something massive. Guardiola punched the air, relief and joy written all over his face. For a player who can frustrate him so much, Cherki had once again proved his value in the biggest moment.
After the final whistle, Guardiola was honest in his assessment. He did not pretend that City had played brilliantly. Instead, he spoke about suffering, about accepting when things are not perfect, and about the importance of grinding out results if you want to win titles. He reminded everyone that during City’s six Premier League titles under his leadership, games like this were common. Tight matches, uncomfortable moments, late goals, and huge three points.
But the most memorable part of his interview came when he spoke about Cherki. Asked about his relationship with the former Lyon star, Guardiola smiled and opened up in a way only he can. He admitted that Cherki sometimes gets on his nerves. That he shouts at him. That he demands more discipline, better positioning, and smarter decisions. But he also admitted that Cherki’s talent leaves him in awe.
Guardiola explained that his job is to allow Cherki to express that incredible talent, but within the structure of the team. He spoke about wanting City to play better from the back so that Cherki can receive the ball in the right positions, where he can hurt opponents the most. It was a classic Guardiola answer, full of detail, honesty, and football philosophy.
This ambivalent relationship is not new for Guardiola. Throughout his career, he has had similar dynamics with creative players. From Lionel Messi to Kevin De Bruyne, from David Silva to Jack Grealish, Guardiola often pushes his most talented players the hardest. He demands perfection, even when they are already among the best. And that pressure can create moments of tension.
For Cherki, the move to Manchester City was always going to be a challenge. When he joined from Olympique Lyon in the summer for around £30.45 million, expectations were high. He arrived with a reputation as one of the most gifted young midfielders in Europe, a player capable of unlocking defences with ease. But he also arrived knowing that Guardiola would not tolerate laziness or indiscipline.
So far, Cherki’s numbers show that he is making an impact. Five goals and eight assists in 22 appearances is a strong return, especially for a player still adapting to a new league, a new country, and a demanding manager. But Guardiola knows that there is even more to come. That is why he shouts. That is why he pushes. That is why he sometimes looks frustrated.
After the Forest game, Guardiola also took time to praise the opposition. He spoke highly of Sean Dyche, calling Forest a proper team and a top, top side. He admitted that City had to suffer, defend, and accept that they were not playing well at times. According to Guardiola, this ability to suffer is what separates champions from pretenders.
He even went as far as saying that last season, City would have lost this type of game ten times out of ten. That comment alone shows how highly he values the three points. In a title race where margins are small, wins like this can define the season.
Manchester City’s current form supports that idea. With five consecutive league wins, they have built strong momentum. Sitting second in the table, just two points behind leaders Arsenal, City are very much in the race. Every match matters. Every goal matters. And players like Cherki can make the difference.
For Forest, the defeat was painful, but their performance earned respect. They pushed City to the limit and showed that they belong at this level. Dyche’s team fought until the end, and on another day, they might have come away with a point or more.
As for Guardiola and Cherki, their relationship will continue to evolve. There will be more moments of shouting. More moments of frustration. And, if Cherki keeps delivering magic like he did at the City Ground, probably a few more moments when Guardiola feels like kissing him.
That is football at the highest level. Passion. Pressure. Talent. And the complex bond between a demanding manager and a gifted player. For Manchester City, that bond could be one of the keys to another Premier League title.
