Omar Marmoush’s breakout performance was only a matter of time, says Pep Guardiola

LONDON – Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said newcomer Omar Marmoush’s hat-trick on Feb 15 did not surprise him after the dazzling season the 26-year-old striker had been having in the Bundesliga.

While all the pre-game talk had been about City’s Erling Haaland and Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, two of the English Premier League’s most scintillating scorers, Marmoush stole the show by bagging the first hat-trick of his senior career in City’s 4-0 thrashing of the Magpies at the Etihad.

“We knew it,” Guardiola said of the striker

signed in January from Eintracht Frankfurt

for £59.1 million (S$99.7 million).

“So in Germany, in Frankfurt, he makes a good number. Against Leyton Orient (City’s 2-1 FA Cup win on Feb 8), had three clear chances, could not score.

“So we knew sooner or later, (as long as) the dynamic in the group was good and the performance was good, he could show what he is.

“Hopefully, he can handle the compliments.”

Even more impressive was the fact that the Egyptian bagged his hat-trick in 14 first-half minutes, making his mark in England after scoring 15 Bundesliga goals already this season to sit second behind Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane in the German scoring charts.

Asked how Marmoush so seamlessly hit the ground running at City, Guardiola added: “Listen, it’s simple, the answer. When you play good, everyone adapts quickly.

“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.”

Marmoush said his first goal in the 19th minute, a lob over the head of the onrushing Martin Dubravka, was his favourite among the three he scored.

“Looking at the replay (of the first goal), I was celebrating and feeling extremely happy,” said the striker, who tucked the match ball under his arm after the final whistle.

“Thank God for scoring the hat-trick and that we won. That’s the most important thing.”

City goalkeeper Ederson made history with that goal. His long chipped pass to Marmoush gave him more assists – six – than any other goalkeeper in Premier League history.

“We need the pass, we need the movement, we need many things, and today we have it,” said Guardiola, whose side are now fourth in the table.

James McAtee added the fourth goal in the 84th minute to round off a perfect day for City.

But there were some tense moments when Haaland went down grimacing and holding his knee late in the game. He was able to walk off the pitch, and Guardiola did not sound concerned that it was a serious injury.

“When he was down, everyone was scared, but he got up and he walked smiling like always,” the City boss said. “I didn’t speak with the doctors. But if the doctors didn’t come with bad news, hopefully he’ll be fine.”

While Marmoush stole the headlines, Guardiola also reserved praise for Nico Gonzalez for stepping into the void left by Rodri after making an impressive Premier League debut.

City have struggled badly without Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, who suffered a serious knee injury in September.

Gonzalez arrived on the final day of the January transfer window from Porto for a £49.8 million fee and took little time to find his feet.

“I think the presence from Nico helped us a lot,” said Guardiola. “The feeling is that the club signed an incredible player for the future in terms of mentality.

“He was in the Barcelona academy and Barcelona’s academy is the best in the world in how they teach you the concepts, the body shapes, how to pass the ball, the technique. He is so young, 23, like a mini-Rodri.”

Meanwhile, City have little time to bask in their latest success as they clash with Real Madrid on Feb 19 in the second leg of their Champions League play-off, with Guardiola’s side trailing 3-2 from the first game. REUTERS, AFP