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'Laziness and bad attitude' - Man City have 'concerns' about Rayan Cherki
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- 'Laziness and bad attitude' - Man City have 'concerns' about Rayan Cherki
Rayan Cherki's performance for France against England at the World Cup has raised new concerns about his role at Manchester City.
The 22-year-old made seven appearances in Didier Deschamps' side this summer, but played just 124 minutes as he failed to impress when handed the opportunity.
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French media has been extremely critical of his performances, while he was dragged off at half-time during France's 6-4 defeat to England in the bronze medal match.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insiderthat Cherki's performances for France and concerns about his attitude will be a concern for Man City.
The attacking midfielder played a key role under Pep Guardiola last season, but given the level of competition in his position, must fight for his place under Enzo Maresca.
Man City officials are concerned that if Cherki puts in similar displays at the Etihad as he did for France, it could lead to questions over his place in the side.
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What does Enzo Maresca have planned for Rayan Cherki?
Brown told Football Insiderin March that Cherki had earned his place in the starting XI under Guardiola, and questioned why the boss had been reluctant to include him.
However, concerns about the attacking midfielder's attitude and work ethic go back to his time in France with Lyon, who had been keen to move him on well before his switch to City.
Should those problems emerge again ahead of the new Premier League season, there will be serious concerns at the Etihad, but they hope to see Cherki back to his best.
"Every club hopes their players will perform to a high level on international duty," Brown told Football Insider.
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"It sets them up well to return for pre-season if they're feeling confident and happy off the back of playing for their country, and the clubs are always keeping an eye on things.
"But when things go wrong, players aren't performing, and then you've got reports coming out about laziness and a bad attitude and whatever it is, then it is a concern.
"Cherki had a good season for Man City, he looked impressive every time he played, but he failed to impress when called upon for France.
"After the England game especially where he really struggled, you're hearing things about his attitude and application, and it seems the media in France aren't happy with him.
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"If those issues keep coming up when he comes back to Man City, then it's going to be a problem, and they'll be hoping that is not the case.
"Even last season when he was playing well, he could never really nail down a place in the starting XI, and given the competition he will have to fight for his place.
"If he's not up for that or these apparent issues from the France squad carry on, then there are going to be major concerns."
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Despite what was a strong first season at the Etihad for Cherki, his place in the starting XI was not guartuneed, and he will need to fight for his place again under Maresca.
The France international is capable of playing either in attacking midfield or on the wing, but there are a number of players in the squad capable of playing those roles.
This comes after Brown told Football Insideron 22 July that Phil Foden would hold talks over his place in Maresca's plans as a result of the growing competition for minutes.
Players including the likes of Foden, Antoine Semenyo, Jeremy Doku, Savinho, Tijjani Reijnders and Omar Marmoush are all competing for just three spots in the XI.
As a result, should Cherki fail to up his game after returning from the World Cup, there is a real chance he could drop out of the starting XI.
