22 hours ago
25
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola spoke about Omar Marmoush after the 3-1 win over Swansea City in the Carabao Cup
Pep Guardiola was delighted for Omar Marmoush to score as he prepares to play him with Erling Haaland.
Marmoush made his first start since suffering an injury with Egypt in the September international break as he led the line at Swansea in the Carabao Cup. With Erling Haaland left at home as he shakes off a knock suffered in the defeat to Aston Villa, Marmoush was given the opportunity to build up some rhythm.
Swansea made City work for their win but Marmoush was decisive when it mattered, latching onto a clever ball from Rayan Cherki in the final 15 minutes and smashing into the roof of the net. Cherki added a third to make the game safe for the Blues and book their passage into the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
Guardiola had praise for many of the team at Swansea, having made 10 changes from Sunday's league defeat. And he was particularly pleased to see Marmoush scoring as he looks to get more goals into the City team.
"With him with that system, five in the back, with centre defenders around, with Erling, he knows perfectly how to be patient, how to be in small spaces, how to be consistent, to go to the runs in behind," said Guardiola.
"We have incredible good deliveries with Phil, especially with Rayan Cherki and of course Nico Gonzalez. He's getting better and getting better. Now he's fundamental for us, Nico.
"But all of them, the guys who came to the bench, John, Josko, Phil - everyone was really good. I'm happy for [Omar] more because a striker needs goals and for his confidence it will be important. He's been injured a long time and of course playing in the position from Erling is important.
"But we know in many games we need both and having him back is so nice."
Guardiola added that he hopes Haaland is fit after he collided with a post in the Villa game. The Norwegian was left at home for the trip to South Wales, although he is usually rested in this competition.
City are back at home on Sunday to host high-flying Bournemouth in the Premier League.
---
Here at the Manchester Evening News, we’re dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester City coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don’t miss out on the latest City news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day’s biggest stories.
And finally, if you’d rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Talking City podcast. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.
English (US) ·