OMAR MARMOUSH often pulled out a Halloween mask after scoring goals for Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Egyptian was dared to wear it by one of his old team-mates – and it should fit nicely with the horror show that has been Manchester City’s last few months.
GettyMan City fans will hope to see Omar Marmoush’s mask celebration many times this season[/caption]
APPep Guardiola has struggled to get the best out of this side this season[/caption]
AFPMan City were beaten in their last Champions League game against PSG[/caption]
However, the question is, can the new £64million forward’s arrival disguise the obvious problems in Pep Guardiola’s squad in the weeks ahead?
They first became apparent as City lost nine out of 12 matches during an astonishing collapse in the final two months of last year.
And despite a mini-revival since Christmas, the old issues were laid bare once more by a rampant Paris Saint-Germain in the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night.
City have shelled out around £127million this week on three new signings – with two young defenders coming in before Marmoush.
Abdukodir Khusanov, 20, arrived for £33.5million on Monday and was quickly followed by 19-year-old Brazilian Vitor Reis for £29.5million.
The club hopes all three will be signings for the long-term and not just the here and now.
But most fans have been crying out for a new defensive midfielder to fill the huge gap left by Ballon D’Or winner Rodri.
Some would also say right-back was an area that needed addressing. But as yet, with just 11 days left of the window, there is no sign of either.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
Marmoush is the most eye-catching of the new signings so far as one of the stand-out stars of the German league this season.
He has 37 goals and 20 assists since joining Frankfurt on a free 18 months ago and every time City sent scouts to watch him he made a difference.
His versatility is also key as they look to replace Julian Alvarez – who left to join Atletico Madrid back in August.
The 25-year-old can play in any of the front positions and also as a number 10 – so should allow Erling Haaland – who has played almost every game this season – more of a breather.
They also have Norwegian wide man Oscar Bobb – who Pep had such high hopes for this season – on the brink of a return from a broken leg.
Before long, Guardiola could have an embarrassment of riches in the forward positions.
But scoring goals has not been a major problem for his team in recent weeks – they have 24 of them in their last six matches.
It’s keeping them out at the other end that has been the worry – with a creaking defence getting that has been ravaged by injuries getting little protection from a midfield that is also looking old.
PSG were better, they were quicker, faster, they win the duels with the ball, had one more in the middle.
We could not cope with that.
Pep Guardiola
PSG had 26 efforts on goal on Wednesday night – the most Guardiola’s City have faced in this competition in his nine seasons.
Skipper Kyle Walker’s decline came quicker than expected but neither Rico Lewis nor makeshift full-back Matheus Nunes have been convincing replacements.
Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake and John Stones have all struggled with injuries – some might say inevitably after the amount they have played in recent seasons.
Khusanov and Reis will help to ease the pressure on them but both are inexperienced and will need time to settle in.
The midfield has not given the defence anything like the protection they are used to when Rodri is there.
Ilkay Gundogan, Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva have largely shared the duties but are all over 30 now and against the top sides they have found it hard going.
Talking about his team’s short-comings in Paris, Pep said: “PSG were better, they were quicker, faster, they win the duels with the ball, had one more in the middle.
“We could not cope with that.”
They are looking for a new holding midfielder – but Pep is also willing to use Stones or Manuel Akanji in that role if the summer would be a better time to buy one.
Meanwhile, Kevin De Bruyne continues to produce magic moments but has been slowed by injuries in recent years, and the feeling is his 10-year reign as the top man at City is coming to an end.
Guardiola admits he knocked back the advice from the hierarchy at the Etihad as he showed loyalty to the players who have achieved so much for him.
TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: STAY UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST MOVES FROM THE JANUARY WINDOW
In recent months that has looked a huge mistake and could be brought into even sharper focus before the March international break.
Games against Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle and Tottenham all looming – as well as the Champions League salvage mission against Brugge.
After winning four Prem titles in a row – as well as the treble 19 months ago – there have been questions over the motivation of the squad.
Striker Erling Haaland said last week that boss Guardiola seems to have as much hunger as ever despite everything he has achieved in the last nine years.
But he has also had to deal with issues off the pitch, with the end of his 30-year marriage to his wife Cristina coming to light earlier this month.
And some have wondered if the playing staff are being affected by the looming verdict into 115 allegations of financial wrongdoing levelled at them by the Premier League.
The lengthy hearing ended in December and the report is currently being put together.
While City are supremely confident, the implications if they were to be found guilty would be enormous for everyone at the Etihad.
Until the outcome is known, there continues to be a dark cloud hanging over them.
Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
