Pep Guardiola explains thought process behind Omar Marmoush and Manchester City starting place | OneFootball

Omar Marmoush is suited to a very specific tactical set-up in the Manchester City squad, Pep Guardiola has explained this week.

The Egyptian, who joined City last January, has already shown plenty of glimpses of his versatility and adaptability under Pep Guardiola, capable of playing anywhere across the front line while graduating into the set-up.

City travel to South Wales this week to take on Swansea City in the Carabao Cup, offering Guardiola another opportunity to test his depth and tactical options. The 26-year-old forward could feature prominently, particularly given the need for rotation amid a congested schedule.

Omar Marmoush’s playing style – combining acceleration, an eye for goal, and intelligent movement – has drawn comparisons to players Guardiola has relied upon in previous systems. However, as the manager revealed, the Egyptian’s role is highly specific and dependent on the opposition setup and tactical needs within matches.

Speaking to the media this week ahead of City’s meeting with Swansea in South Wales, Pep Guardiola explained the very specific role he believes Marmoush can fulfil within his starting line-ups.

“Omar and Erling [Haaland] can play together,” Guardiola clarified. “If we need a winger, a proper winger in the sides, there are better players. But when we need a player close to Erling in the gaps between full-back and central defence, and need the intensity, Omar is the best.”

Guardiola continued, “If we need a player close to the box, there, Omar is the best that we have alongside there. But if we need more players in the pockets, more in small spaces, more control and the other ones, there are other ones that are better.

“So it depends on what we need in these terms. If we need maybe sometimes in the moments like we had last season that the full-back is wide and the winger is inside, he’s top.”

Continuing on the subject of Omar Marmoush in the sole striker position, Guardiola explained, “He can play No.9 potentially as well, he can play No.9. The numbers of Erling [Haaland] are so important, it’s impressive and he scored many of the goals we scored.

“But when we need goals, that is sometimes the case, Omar [Marmoush] is important that he’s been back. Look at the few minutes he arrived, for less than one inch is offside and makes the action that we could equalise against Aston Villa.

“So Omar has this quality, but still he is young and still has a margin to improve.”

Pep Guardiola’s comments highlight that Omar Marmoush’s place in the team will likely fluctuate based on tactical requirements rather than form alone. His versatility offers City a valuable alternative to Erling Haaland’s more direct centre-forward approach – particularly in matches where movement between lines or quick transitions are key.

Looking ahead, Marmoush could find himself increasingly trusted in cup competitions and as an impact option in tighter Premier League encounters, perhaps starting more often in the top-flight and Champions League as he builds fitness post-injury.

As Pep Guardiola continues to refine his attacking combinations, the Egyptian international’s adaptability and energy could make him a crucial part of Manchester City’s evolving frontline dynamic this season.