Is there tension between Michael Olise and Rayan Cherki? The French star has now firmly denied a report to that effect.
Is there friction between Michael Olise and Rayan Cherki on the French national team? A recent report from France had given the impression that there might indeed be some tension between the two attacking stars. Cherki, however, now firmly denies this account.
It all started with a report from L’Equipe. According to the report, Olise has a very clear idea of how soccer should be played and has little patience for certain behaviors from his teammates. Specifically, the Bayern star reportedly took little pleasure in some of Cherki’s quirks during training at the World Cup this summer.
It was also reported that Olise still finds it difficult to categorize the Man City pro, both as a player and as a person.
Cherki responds strongly to the report
Cherki refused to let this portrayal stand and responded on X with strong words: “Another fabrication. What wonderful inspiration!” The 23-year-old also accompanied his reply with emojis crying with laughter.
On the field, too, there is currently little evidence of a strained relationship. Under France’s new national team coach, Zinedine Zidane, both Olise and Cherki are key players. In two of the first three matches under Zidane, both were in the starting lineup together.
Most recently, they’ve also shown remarkable chemistry on the field. In the 1-1 draw against Italy, Olise scored a spectacular free kick to give France the lead. Cherki was involved in the play, feigning a shot before the ball was struck. After the goal, the two high-fived each other again.
Olise is in top form for the French national team anyway. The Bayern star had previously scored the winning goal after coming off the bench in the 1-0 victory over Belgium.
There is currently little evidence of an open feud between Olise and Cherki. Cherki’s public reaction suggests, rather, that he clearly rejects the report of alleged tensions.