There are moments I want to kiss him" - Pep Guardiola makes hilarious claim when talking about 'ambivalent' relationship with Manchester City star

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola opened up on his relationship with Rayan Chekri after the French midfielder's heroics in the side's 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, December 27. He admitted that he has an 'ambivalent' relationship with the 22-year-old.

Chekri emerged as City's knight in shining armour as they earned a hard-fought three points at the City Ground. After a goalless first half, the Cityzens broke the deadlock three minutes into the second period through Tijani Reijnders.

However, their lead lasted only six minutes, as Omari Hutchison restored parity for the hosts. It looked like both sides would share the spoils on the day until Chekri stepped up with an 83rd-minute low volley to win the game for Guardiola's side.

While speaking to reporters after the win, Guardiola talked about his relationship with the former Lyon star. The Spanish manager revealed that the Frenchman sometimes gets on his nerves, but also leaves him in awe with his talents.

He said (via GOAL):

"There are moments I shout at him and there are moments I want to kiss him, so I have that ambivalent feeling with him," Guardiola said. "I want to allow him to express his incredible talent. We have to play better from the back so he can get more balls from that position."

Chekri joined Manchester City from Olympique Lyon in the summer for a reported £30.45 million, signing a five-year contract. So far, he has collected five goals and eight assists in 22 games for the 10-time Premier League champions.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola comments on his team's performance in win over Nottingham Forest

In the same interview, Pep Guardiola admitted that his team were not at their best against Sean Dyche's side. He commended their improved performance in the second half and emphasised the importance of the win to their title challenge.

"The second half was a little bit better. I know the memory is weak but when we won the six Premier Leagues, these types of games have a lot, so this is a massive three points," Guardiola said.

The Manchester City manager also hailed the opposition's quality, saying:

"Mainly for the quality of the opposition. Sean Dyche has created a proper team. It's a top, top side. It's much more important how you suffer and defend and accept you are not playing good and accept you can be better. Otherwise there is no chance. Last season that game is lost 10 for 10."

Manchester City have been in red-hot form, collecting five consecutive league wins. They sit second in the league standings, two points below leaders Arsenal.

Edited by Okenna Okere