Pep Guardiola has named Omar Marmoush and Abdukodir Khusanov in his Manchester City starting XI for their big Premier League clash against Chelsea on Saturday.
The Catalan coach publicly called for reinforcements in January after his injury-hit team recorded one win in 13 games before Boxing Day. City’s recruitment department has delivered, spending around £123m on three new players.
Former Palmeiras centre-back Vitor Reis was on the bench for this weekend’s away game against Chelsea, but fellow defender Khusanov was thrown straight into the starting line-up in the absence of the injured Ruben Dias.
Speaking about the qualities of the £42million Lens centre-back this week, Guardiola enthused: “Khusanov has already made peace with playing in the French league and dealing with tough, fast and fast players. But he doesn’t talk much.” Since we don’t speak English, communication will be one of the situations we have to deal with.”
Marmoush is virtually fluent in the language, thanks largely to the influence of his parents, who both lived in Canada for six years and received North American citizenship.
The proud Egyptian international is enjoying the best form of his career. Barely halfway through the season, Marmoush scored 20 goals and 14 assists for Eintracht Frankfurt across all competitions this season.
No wonder Guardiola was forced to predict: “I think he will adapt quickly.”
Kevin De Bruyne, who made no impact in City’s midweek loss to Paris Saint-Germain, was dropped to the bench while the £59million recruit lined up behind Erling Haaland.
“New players can of course help,” remarked the City boss before the important duel with fourth-placed Chelsea in the race for Champions League qualification. “That’s why they’re here. Again, this wouldn’t be possible without the many circumstances we had.”