Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said he wasn’t surprised by Omar Marmoush’s hat-trick against Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday, February 15 and believed it was only a matter of time before the Egyptian forward hit the ground running for his new team. Marmoush made the big-money move from Eintracht Frankfurt during the January transfer window.
After a subtle start to his City career, the Egyptian forward burst into life during the game against Newcastle as he scored a 14-minute hat-trick in the first half to help City win the match 4-0. Speaking to the reporters after the game, as quoted by Reuters, Guardiola said he had the confidence that Marmoush would show his talent on the field. The City boss also said he hopes Marmoush will handle the compliments coming his way after the performance on Saturday.
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“We knew it,” said Guardiola.
“So in Germany, in Frankfurt, he makes a good number. Against Orient (City’s 2-1 FA Cup win last Saturday), had three clear chances, could not score. So we knew sooner or later, the dynamic in the group was good, and the performance was good, he could show what he is.”
“Hopefully he can handle the compliments.”
When asked how Marmoush was able to score a hat-trick, Guardiola said that when the team plays well, everyone is able to get into form.
“Listen, it’s simple, the answer. When you play good, everyone adapts quickly,” said Guardiola.
“When (the team doesn’t) play good, you need time. It’s a guy who likes to attack space to help to create. But when we play in the way we played today, everyone is better.”
Guardiola on Haaland injury
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There was a slight concern for the City fans when Erling Haaland went down holding his knee late in the game. However, Guardiola brushed aside fears of a long-term issue saying that Haaland got up and was smiling.
The City boss said he hasn’t had a word with his striker or the doctors yet and is hoping for some good news.
“When he was down everyone was scared, but he got up and he walked smiling like always,” Guardiola said. “I didn’t speak with him. I didn’t speak with the doctors. But if the doctors didn’t come with bad news, hopefully he’ll be fine.”
City will now get ready for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 playoff tie against Real Madrid.
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