Marc Guéhi almost joined Liverpool. He ended up at Manchester City instead, and nine months later he has been placed inside the club’s inner circle alongside Rúben Dias, Erling Haaland and Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The 26-year-old says the status was never one he saw himself holding.
“I’ve never thought of myself in that way. I think it’s always been other people have noticed and pick up on in me,” he told the club’s website.
The appointment comes during the most scrutinized stretch in City’s recent history. In late September the Premier League confirmed that the club had been found guilty of almost all of the 115 financial breach charges first brought in February 2023. Punishment is to be decided in a separate hearing, and City have said they will appeal.
Read also: Media reports: Shakira is dating former NBA star
Guéhi arrived in January for an initial £20m on a five-and-a-half-year contract that runs until 2031. He had been close to a Deadline Day move to Liverpool the previous summer. The signing brought him in to cover for Pep Guardiola’s injured centre-backs; he has since kept his place under a new manager.
Leading, in his own register
Guardiola left at the end of last season, and Enzo Maresca took over as head coach on 29 June 2026. Guéhi describes his working relationship with the Italian as uncomplicated.
“I think we’ve got a very open relationship in terms of the fact I can go and talk to him whenever and whatever it may be about.”
His definition of leadership is deliberately plain.
Read also: AC Milan owner reportedly unhappy with two major problems under Ruben Amorim
“The first thing is leading by example. If you’re asking your teammates to do something you should be able to do that things.”
He will not perform it, either.
“I think it’s very important [to be authentic] because not just in football but in life I think people are good at noticing nonsense.”
‘I didn’t think I’d get this far’
European football is a recent addition to Guéhi’s résumé, after captaining Crystal Palace to the 2025 FA Cup, the club’s first major trophy, and a loan spell at Swansea earlier in his career. He admits the Champions League was never a childhood ambition.
Read also: “Best in the World”: Laporta Brushes Off Real Madrid Rivalry to Hail Flick’s Flying Barça
“I’ve never really dreamt of playing in the Champions League because I didn’t think I’d get this far to be honest.”
Matchday nerves have not gone away.
“I think nerves are natural. So I’d say yes I get nervous before a game, but my mindset is as long as I have prepared and done everything I could before the game, whatever happens, happens.”
Paris Saint-Germain arrive at the Etihad on Wednesday 14 October, with kick-off at 8pm local time.
Read also: Piganzoli credits Vingegaard for his breakout Visma season: ‘He’s a role model and an inspiration’
Read also: Remco Evenepoel hit with harsh assessment as former pro raises weight concerns
