Manchester City roared back to life this past weekend, emphatically dispatching Ipswich Town 6-0.
This resounding victory propelled them back into the top four, halting a concerning slump in form. The question now is: has Pep Guardiola rediscovered his winning touch?
City will face a true test of their resurgence this weekend against Chelsea. A strong performance against the Blues will be crucial in demonstrating their return to top form and reigniting their title chase against league leaders Liverpool.
Ahead of the game, Showmax caught up with Chelsea attacker Pedro Neto, as well as Man City’s new Egyptian signing Omar Marmoush.
They chat about the game ahead, while Marmoush chats about his excitement at joining of the biggest football clubs in the world.
Pedro Neto previews the Man City v Chelsea game:
You had a good result against Wolves. Do you think your win against Wolves will help kickstart Chelsea’s year?
We came from a bad moment where we couldn’t win games, so the Wolves game was an important one to get back to winning ways. Now we are confident we can win the next one and already hard at work.
Next up is Man City. What is the mood in the camp like ahead of a mammoth fixture like this?
The mood is the same. We always look forward to playing no matter who the opponent is. The team is happy, and we are thrilled the way things are going. We want to fight and work hard to win the next game.
Man City are always a tough fixture. But they too are going through their own struggles. What kind of game do you expect?
They have been going through a bad moment, but they are one of the best teams in the world, if not the best. They also have some of the best players in the world, so we expect a difficult game. No doubt we will face the best Man City team, but we want to go there and win the game.
What has it been like working under Enzo Maresca?
It’s good to have a manager that has the mentality that he has, which is to work hard every day if you want to play. That is the mentality that every player needs. The team needs to work together so we can reach the top level like Arsenal and Liverpool. City too have been phenomenal over the years. It’s all about consistency and hard work.
City’s new Egyptian signing Omar Marmoush:
How excited are you to have joined Man City?
I’m excited and can’t wait to get on the pitch with my teammates and start my journey with the club.
You made a great impact with your previous club. What was it about City that made you want to join the club?
City is one of the biggest clubs in the world over the past ten years. I am honoured that they have shown interest in me and now I am here. The last two seasons were great for me, but that was just the beginning. I am so happy to be here. City is one of the biggest clubs in the world so there was no question.
Describe your style of play and your strengths as a footballer?
My main strength is that I always want to win. That is from a character point of view. On the pitch, I am fast, and good on the ball. I try to see where the spaces are and exploit them. I’m dangerous.
You can play several different positions. But which position do you feel most comfortable in?
I can play in many positions. For the national team, I am a left winger. At my former club I was playing number nine, sometimes ten and sometimes eight. I can play all positions, but I feel most comfortable under the striker in a ten position. I am happy to play in any position and will give my everything.
You’ve had a few hours to check out the City Academy. What did you make of the facilities?
The facilities are amazing. I didn’t get to see a lot. I just finished the medical, and met the staff who were nice. The facilities are good, just how they should be for one of the best clubs in the world.
Signing for City must be a special moment for your family, right?
It is crazy to be honest. My whole journey I made coming from Egypt to Germany, I always dreamt of being at a club like this. I worked hard and had many setbacks, but I continued to push. It is an honour for me and my family to be here representing Egypt at one of the biggest clubs in the world. It makes me happy that my dreams are becoming a reality.
Pep Guardiola is a world-class manager. Was he a big factor when you considered joining City?
This was one of the big aspects. Pep is a coach that develops players. I always find that each player can become better. I want to learn from Pep and take all his knowledge. He is one of the best coaches in history, so it’s an honour that he showed in interest in me. I can’t wait to show off my quality.
How much are you looking forward to linking up with Erling Haaland?
I am very excited. Erling is a goal machine. I am very excited to see him, learn from him, play with him on the pitch, assist him. I am hoping we have a great relationship at City.
The Premier League is recognized as the strongest, most competitive league in the world. What does it mean to you to be able to experience this league?
Since I was young it was my dream to play in the Premier League. It’s a very intense league and fits the style of play I have. I am happy to be here in the league. It is another huge test for me, and it’s just the beginning. My journey starts with City, and hopefully, we will win a lot of trophies and have many great seasons together.
You are the first Egyptian to play for Man City. How proud are you?
It’s a big, big honour. I’m happy to be the first Egyptian player to play for City, representing my country at a big club here. My dreams are becoming a reality, and I hope I will prove to everyone that I can keep up at this high level.
Back in Egypt, how much of interest is there in the Premier League?
In Egypt, the Premier League is the most followed league. We have many great players that have played in the Premier League and that still play in the league, like Mo Salah. As kids, we grew up dreaming of playing in the Premier League, that’s why it makes me so happy to be here.
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