Guardiola Isn’t Surprised by Marmoush’s Hat-Trick Following His Impressive Bundesliga Performance

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed that he was not surprised by newcomer Omar Marmoush’s impressive hat-trick on Saturday, considering the stellar season the 26-year-old striker has enjoyed in the Bundesliga.

While the pre-match spotlight largely shone on City’s Erling Haaland and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak—two of the league’s touted goal machines—it was Marmoush who stole the headlines, netting the first hat-trick of his career during City’s 4-0 Premier League victory over Newcastle United.

“We anticipated this,” Guardiola remarked about the striker, who was signed last month from Eintracht Frankfurt for a fee of £59 million (approximately $74.25 million).

“In Germany, he had an outstanding record. Against Orient (in City’s 2-1 FA Cup win last Saturday), he had three clear chances but couldn’t find the back of the net. We were confident that eventually, with our positive dynamics, he’d shine.”

“I hope he can handle the praise that comes his way.”

What added to the spectacle was the fact that the Egyptian forward scored all three goals within a remarkable 13-minute span in the first half, marking his arrival in England following an impressive tally of 15 Bundesliga goals this season, placing him second in the German scoring charts behind Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane.

When asked how Marmoush adapted so quickly to life at City, Guardiola stated: “It’s quite simple. When a player performs well, the adaptation is swift.

“If the team isn’t playing well, the adjustment takes time. He’s a player who enjoys exploiting space to contribute to our attacking play. But when we perform as we did today, everyone benefits.”

Marmoush described his first goal, a delightful lob over the advancing Martin Dubravka in the 19th minute, as his favourite moment of the match.

“Watching the replay of that first goal, I was celebrating and felt incredibly happy,” said Marmoush, who cradled the match ball under his arm post-game.

“I’m grateful for scoring the hat-trick and that we secured the win. That’s what matters most.”

City goalkeeper Ederson made his own piece of history with Marmoush’s first goal; his long pass notched him his sixth assist, making him the Premier League’s all-time leading goalkeeper in that regard.

“We require the right pass, movement, and several elements, and today we had all of it,” Guardiola noted.

There were a few anxious moments later in the match when Haaland went down, appearing to hold his knee. However, he was able to walk off the pitch, and Guardiola reassured that it was not a serious injury.

“When he was down, there was a lot of concern, but he stood up and walked off with a smile, as always,” Guardiola stated. “I haven’t spoken to him or the medical staff, but if the doctors didn’t bring back any bad news, we can hope he’ll be fine.”

City’s momentum will be tested quickly as they prepare to face Real Madrid on Wednesday in the second leg of their Champions League playoff, trailing 3-2 from the first match.