Manchester City midfielder Ryan Cherki has opened up about his philosophy in football, expressing a deep nostalgia for creative “magic” in an era increasingly dominated by data and physical production.
In a recent interview, the French organizer discussed how he balances the demands of the modern game with the talent that defined his idols.
“Is the football you play now the same as the one you played when you were a child? Oh, no. It’s my job. But I try to play in the style that made me fall in love with football from the beginning. The football of Eden Hazard, Neymar, Ronaldinho, Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi,” Cherki initially said.
“How do you see modern professional football? I’m not a fan of all aspects of it. I would like to say: ‘Robots are good, but magic is better.’ A perfect match with 99% successful passes is fine, but a match with five or six moments of genius will always be better.”
“Does this tactical and athletic style of football frustrate you? The high volume of the game is not the problem – quite the opposite. But it is a bit frustrating because, these days, many coaches are constantly looking for whoever runs the fastest or jumps the highest. For me, football is something completely different. But on the other hand, I have no scientific knowledge,” concluded the French star.
Otherwise, Cherki was transferred from Lyon to City in the summer for around 35 million euros and has so far played 38 matches, scoring 9 goals and 10 assists, although not a regular starter.