12 February 2025
Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola explained his decision not to include Egyptian Omar Marmoush in the starting lineup for the team's match against Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League play-off. Real Madrid defeated host Manchester City at home (3-2) in the match that brought them together yesterday, Tuesday.
Guardiola preferred to rely on Jack Grealish in the starting lineup, as the latter played alongside Savinho and Erling Haaland in the attacking lineup. Guardiola explained the reason for his decision by saying: "There are players who give you something in certain matches," noting that his decision came after monitoring training and evaluating performance in the period preceding the match. Guardiola added: "I watched training and in many things, and that's why I decided to start with Grealish."
This decision came despite Marmoush's participation in the starting lineup for the last three matches played by Manchester City since his move to the English club in the last winter transfer period.
It is noteworthy that Marmoush moved to Manchester City from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth around 75 million euros, according to media reports.
However, the Egyptian star is still waiting to open his scoring record with the English team.
