Guardiola Hails Marmoush's Exceptional Quality Ahead of Chelsea Clash

Pep Guardiola has urged his Manchester City team to rise to the challenge against Chelsea, with new signings Vitor Reis, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Omar Marmoush available for selection.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that new signings Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis, and Abdukodir Khusanov are available for selection against Chelsea on Saturday. When asked about the availability of his new recruits, Guardiola replied, “Yes, they can play, but I don't know yet. We don't have players.”

Guardiola provided an update on the fitness of his squad, revealing that Ruben Dias and Jeremy Doku will miss the Chelsea match due to injury. “He didn't feel good,” Guardiola said of Dias, who was forced to come off at half-time during the midweek match. When asked who was out of contention for the Chelsea match, Guardiola confirmed, “(We have the) same injuries, we had (before). Ruben and Doku are out. The other players out are (still) out.”

Guardiola shared his impressions of his new signings, starting with Vitor Reis. “Vitor is young, he has a huge personality, needs time. If he's here with us, of course, he can start,” Guardiola said. He also praised Abdukodir Khusanov's experience playing in the French league, but noted that communication might be a challenge due to his limited English. “Khusanov has already settled for the fact that he played in the French league, handling tough, quick, fast players. But he doesn't speak much English, so communication will be one of the situations that we have to deal with.”

Finally, Guardiola expressed optimism about Omar Marmoush's ability to adapt quickly to the team. “Marmoush, I think he will adapt quick,” Guardiola said. With his new signings available for selection, Guardiola will be hoping to strengthen his squad and secure a win against Chelsea on Saturday.

PEP 💬 This week is really important and the next two games. We need our people, they will support us to do the performance to take the result. pic.twitter.com/bsuGfRwwNr

— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 24, 2025

Pep Guardiola shared his thoughts on Omar Marmoush, highlighting the player's exceptional quality and potential to make a significant impact on the team. “(He brings) exceptional quality to the team,” Guardiola said. “He's a future player for years with quality in the final third. That's why (we signed him).” Guardiola's comments suggest that Marmoush will be a valuable addition to Manchester City's squad, bringing an edge to the team with his quality in the final third.

Guardiola emphasized the importance of Manchester City's upcoming fixtures, particularly the matches against Chelsea and Club Brugge. “Really important,” he stressed. “We are very close in the table even with the big, big problems we had in the recent past.” Guardiola acknowledged that the next two games will be crucial, likening them to finals. “The next two games (against Chelsea and Club Brugge in the UCL) are really, really important, finals with us. Our people will support us.” The Manchester City manager is aware of the significance of these matches and is counting on the support of the team's fans.

Guardiola also praised the work of Chelsea's manager, Enzo Maresca assistant, and former City assistant. “I think I recognised his (Maresca) team from day one, even when we played them in the summer camp in the States,” Guardiola said. He noted that he has seen many familiar tactics and strategies employed by Maresca, which they had discussed during their time together at Manchester City. “Many things I started to see that we spoke about many, many times in the last years together. Really good,” Guardiola added.