Manchester City kicked off their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over Moroccan side Wydad AC at Lincoln Financial Field, but much of the post-match focus centered on the debut performance of new signing Rayan Cherki. The 21-year-old French attacking midfielder, acquired from Lyon for a reported £34 million, failed to shine in his first outing for the Premier League giants, prompting a cautious yet supportive verdict from manager Pep Guardiola.
Cherki, brought in as part of City’s squad overhaul following the departure of club legend Kevin De Bruyne to Napoli, was handed a starting role in the Group G opener. Despite high expectations surrounding the versatile playmaker, who is known for his flair and creativity, Cherki struggled to make an impact. Reports from the match noted his tendency to lose possession with ambitious flicks and risky passes, drawing frustration from Guardiola on the sidelines. According to Manchester City reporter Jack Gaughan, the Spanish manager appeared visibly irritated at times as Cherki’s attempts at individual brilliance failed to come off.
The game itself was a comfortable win for City, with Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku scoring in the first half to secure three points. Foden, in particular, stole the show with a goal and an assist, earning man-of-the-match honors. However, Cherki’s performance was described as “tame” and “underwhelming” by observers, with some fans on social media labeling it “embarrassing.” One moment that caught attention was a passage of play where Foden opted not to pass to Cherki, leading to visible frustration from the debutant, sparking debate among supporters about team chemistry.
In his post-match press conference, Guardiola acknowledged the challenge of replacing De Bruyne while defending Cherki’s potential. “Of course, Kevin is difficult to replace, we know that. For the quality he has, there is no doubt about it,” Guardiola said. “But at the same time, the club decided on Rayan because he has incredible skills close to the box, incredible vision, and pass. He has many, many things.” The manager hinted that Cherki’s signing was driven by the club’s hierarchy rather than his own initiative, a comment that raised eyebrows among analysts.
Speaking to DAZN, Guardiola offered further insight, noting the difficult conditions of the match, played in intense heat in Philadelphia. “It’s good that they played. Tijji [Reijnders] played really good, Rayan had good moments,” he said, giving a nod to both Cherki and fellow debutant Tijjani Reijnders, who impressed in midfield. Guardiola’s remarks suggested patience with Cherki, emphasizing that the young Frenchman needs time to adapt to City’s intricate system.
Fan reactions were mixed. Some expressed disappointment, with one supporter on X noting that Cherki “looked nervous” and struggled against Wydad’s physical defense. Others urged patience, pointing out that Cherki’s limited training sessions under Guardiola—reportedly just a handful since his arrival—made a seamless debut unlikely. “He’s eager to prove himself, and that hunger is what we need,” one fan posted, reflecting optimism about Cherki’s long-term potential.
Cherki himself had set high expectations before the match, boldly stating his desire to “kill” rivals Manchester United in an upcoming Premier League clash and expressing confidence in his ability to bring “spark” to City’s attack. His comments, while showcasing his ambition, added pressure to his debut, which was mocked by some rival fans online after his quiet performance.
Guardiola’s tactical instructions to Cherki, revealed earlier in the week, emphasized freedom with the ball, a hallmark of the player’s style at Lyon, where he scored 12 goals and provided 20 assists last season. However, integrating that flair into City’s structured system will evidently require adjustment. The manager’s decision to substitute Cherki after 60 minutes underscored the need for refinement, though Guardiola’s public comments remained diplomatic.