Pep Guardiola has revealed the reason behind his unexpected decision to substitute Rayan Cherki early in Manchester City’s 3-0 victory over Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday evening.The Premier League champions delivered a dominant display as goals from Erling Haaland, Nico Gonzalez, and Jeremy Doku secured a comfortable three points, marking Guardiola’s 1,000th match in management in stunning fashion.
The emphatic win also cut Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table to four points after their 2-2 draw with Sunderland and continued City’s remarkable run of 11 wins in their last 14 games across all competitions.
Rayan Cherki’s Early Substitution Raises Eyebrows
Rayan Cherki, who joined Manchester City from Lyon in June for £34 million, was handed a starting role in midfield following his impact off the bench against Borussia Dortmund in midweek. The Frenchman was expected to act as City’s chief creator against Liverpool.
However, despite City’s dominant performance, Cherki struggled to impose himself on the game, losing possession several times in the first half. The 22-year-old’s underwhelming showing led to his substitution in the 53rd minute for Savinho as Guardiola looked to retain control and protect the two-goal advantage.
Guardiola Explains His Decision
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Pep Guardiola provided insight into his reasoning for taking Cherki off so early.
“It was more difficult for Rayan because the space was more on the left side, not on the right side today for the way they defended,” Guardiola said. “But Bernie (Bernardo Silva), Nico, all the back-four – but especially Bernie, Nico, and Phil (Foden) – they were outstanding, keeping and doing it there.”
His remarks suggest the substitution was more tactical than performance-based, as Guardiola adjusted the team shape to exploit Liverpool’s defensive setup.
Adaptation Period Continues for Cherki
While Rayan Cherki possesses immense technical ability and creativity, he is still adapting to the intensity and tactical discipline required in Premier League football. His defensive work rate and off-the-ball contributions remain areas of focus for Guardiola’s coaching staff.
Under Pep Guardiola, every player is expected to contribute to both phases of play – a principle that has underpinned Manchester City’s sustained success in English football. The Frenchman’s journey at the Etihad is still in its early stages, but his development will be closely watched in the months ahead.
FAQ
Q: Why did Pep Guardiola substitute Rayan Cherki so early?
A: Guardiola explained that the tactical setup favored space on the left side, making it difficult for Cherki to influence play from his position.
Q: How much did Manchester City pay for Rayan Cherki?
A: The French attacking midfielder joined City from Lyon for a transfer fee of £34 million in June 2025.
Q: How did Manchester City perform against Liverpool?
A: City won 3-0 with goals from Erling Haaland, Nico Gonzalez, and Jeremy Doku, delivering a commanding performance.
Q: What milestone did Pep Guardiola reach in this match?
A: The fixture marked Pep Guardiola’s 1,000th game in senior football management.
Conclusion
Pep Guardiola’s decision to substitute Rayan Cherki early against Liverpool highlights the tactical precision and adaptability that define his management style. While Cherki continues to adjust to the demands of the English game, his potential remains undeniable.
With Manchester City in exceptional form heading into the international break, the message is clear — every player, regardless of talent, must meet Guardiola’s relentless standards of intensity and discipline if they hope to thrive at the Etihad.
