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Cherki denies reports of tensions in France squad dressing room

Targeted by an L'Équipe article reporting friction with his teammates, including Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki publicly denied the information on X, calling it an "invention".

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Cherki denies reports of tensions in France squad dressing room
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Rayan Cherki spoke out on X to deny L’Équipe’s reports of tensions between him and several France squad players, including Michael Olise. “Another invention… Brilliant inspiration,” wrote the Manchester City midfielder in a caption accompanying the article in question.

According to L’Équipe, Cherki’s behavior during the 2026 World Cup in the United States reportedly annoyed part of the French dressing room. Repeated jokes, nonchalance in training, an attitude deemed too individualistic: several senior players, accustomed to the rigor of international finals, reportedly took issue with his “antics,” to the point of questioning his future with the national team.

Yet manager Zinedine Zidane had shown him confidence: Cherki started two matches in the tournament, against Turkey and Italy, in a midfield relay role. An exposure that apparently was not enough to dispel internal doubts, if the sports daily’s sources are to be believed.

By responding directly on social media, the Lyon academy product chose to short-circuit the narrative before it took hold. His clarification nonetheless leaves open the question of the real atmosphere within a group whose World Cup ended without a title.

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