Guardiola: Cherki is ready to share the role of virtual number 9 for City

Ahead of the Etihad Stadium game against Bournemouth, Pep Guardiola confirmed he is considering using Rayan Cherki as a false nine to share the scoring duties with Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker has scored 11 of Manchester City's 17 Premier League goals this season, highlighting the high level of dependence on his forwards.

Guardiola speeds up virtual number 9 plan

Guardiola frankly admitted that City need to diversify their goal sources: “The attackers need to improve their goalscoring numbers, they know that and we have talked about it. Omar Marmoush has the ability to score goals, Rayan Cherki has this talent, Phil can do it too. In big teams, the factor that defines an attacker is the number of goals and assists.”

The Spaniard also opened the way for tactical flexibility: “I can use a false nine, like Rayan Cherki. I think Rayan fits perfectly. When we have a full squad, we can operate in many different systems.”

Form support: Cherki shines in Haaland's absence

A few days ago, in the 3-1 win over Swansea in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup when Haaland was not present, Cherki scored one goal and assisted another. This performance helped the new signing score points with the coaching staff, especially in the context of City preparing to enter a dense series of matches on four fronts.

Why Cherki is suitable for City's false 9 role

Once a “jewel” of Lyon, the player born in 2003 stands out with his skillful technique, creative thinking and ability to handle the ball in a small area. According to Guardiola’s assessment, Cherki quickly integrated into the club’s ball control philosophy and can bring flexibility and the element of surprise on the attacking front. Those are the core qualities to take on the role of false 9 when City needs to rotate or change the system.

Easing the load on Haaland in the harsh winter period

Haaland has had to shoulder a heavy workload over the past 12 months, including the Club World Cup and internationals with Norway. Using Cherki as a “plan B” helps City maintain a creative attacking rhythm, while reducing the risk of relying on the Norwegian “goal machine” in a busy schedule.

Before Bournemouth: clear message from the bench

Guardiola has sent out a message that he needs more goals from his other strikers, thereby creating a foundation for tactical changes when needed. Haaland is likely to return to the starting lineup, but the door has been opened for Cherki in the false 9 role, promising to bring a more flexible attacking structure.

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Impact

Activating the false nine option with Cherki gives City more tactical variation and a new source of goals. It also fits with Guardiola's long-term direction: distributing the scoring burden more widely within the team, rather than relying on one individual.