Man City: Cherki earns Maresca’s praise after comeback

Rayan Cherki’s impact from the bench has given Manchester City an early boost and drawn strong praise from coach Enzo Maresca. The 23-year-old playmaker altered the contest after being introduced in the second half, showing that he could influence matches even without starting them.

Manchester City defeated Bournemouth 2-1 in the Premier League on Sunday after falling behind. Cherki entered after the hour mark and created both goals in the turnaround, supplying Marc Guéhi before setting up Josko Gvardiol. The victory gives City a winning start to their league campaign.

Maresca said his decision to leave Cherki out of the starting lineup was based on the team’s physical preparation. Four players had returned late before the match, and the coach felt including Cherki as a fifth would have created too great a physical imbalance from the outset. He had instead considered the possibility of using the former Lyon player during the final half-hour, when his freshness and technical ability could have a greater effect.

The coach also highlighted Cherki’s conduct while waiting for his chance. Maresca said substitutes should remain ready, enter with the right attitude and try to contribute, presenting Cherki’s response as the standard he wants from players who do not begin matches.