Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes striker Omar Marmoush will play an important part for the club during the final stretch of the season.
City still have four matches remaining, including the FA Cup final, in a demanding 12-day period as they continue their pursuit of a domestic treble after already lifting the League Cup.
Despite the depth of City’s squad limiting the Egypt international to only seven Premier League starts this term, Marmoush made an impact from the bench by scoring in Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Brentford.
Guardiola is now counting on Marmoush and other squad players to contribute as City attempt to close the five-point gap on league leaders Arsenal, while also holding a game in hand with three fixtures left.
“We’ve talked many times,” said Guardiola. “I know it’s not easy for them, but I’m pretty sure in the next games they’re going to play.
“I want to rotate the team because otherwise we cannot arrive in the final or Bournemouth a little bit (fresh).
“Especially Omar. It’s not easy because normally you just want one striker. He’s a proper striker but Erling (Haaland) is there.
“Erling is so important for us but the contribution of Omar — the amount of goals for the minutes played — is so high.”
Marmoush’s limited opportunities have largely been influenced by Erling Haaland’s remarkable form, with the Norwegian reaching his 50th goal of the season for club and country over the weekend.
“It’s incredible, and there was a period when he was so tired in November when he came back from Norway qualification,” said Guardiola.
“It was a struggle.”
