What happened: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola spoke about Rayan Cherki after seeing the playmaker shadowboxing in Instagram clips. Guardiola said the videos surprised him and praised Cherki with a simple 'Top.' He joked he would not raise it with Cherki directly, fearing the player would then demand to start every match.

Why it matters: The light-hearted remarks signal Guardiola's growing comfort with Cherki inside the City dressing room as the squad navigates the closing weeks of the Premier League season. Public praise from Guardiola has historically preceded expanded roles, and any uptick in Cherki's minutes would carry weight for City's run-in and rotation planning. It also lands amid ongoing speculation about Guardiola's own future at the club.

What to watch: Watch whether Cherki features more prominently in City's next Premier League fixture and how Guardiola frames his role in the pre-match presser. Further reaction from Cherki on social media is also worth monitoring.