Enzo Maresca has refused to guarantee Omar Marmoush's future at Manchester City after the forward scored twice in a friendly win over Atletico Madrid, with Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United linked with a move.
Marmoush impresses in Seoul
City beat Atletico 3-1 in Seoul on Sunday, with Jorge Dominguez putting the Spaniards ahead before Marmoush struck twice and Rayan Ait-Nouri added a third at the death.
With Erling Haaland yet to return after the World Cup, Marmoush started up front and took his chance to impress the new City boss, but his playing time remains limited by Haaland's presence.
Maresca's cautious response
Maresca compared Marmoush's situation to that of James Trafford, the goalkeeper who left City this summer to join Leeds United.
'The answer has to be similar to the one I answer about James Trafford. Players work every day, they want to play so when they don't play they are not happy,' Maresca said, via the Manchester Evening News.
'Omar did not play a lot last year so his desire is probably to play more minutes. It doesn't mean that he isn't going to play more minutes here but it's also his decision, and to understand his decision in details.'
Marmoush focused on Community Shield
Marmoush, who made 21 Premier League appearances last season but only 13 from the start, scoring three league goals, was not speaking like a player itching for a move after the win.
'I'm enjoying myself a lot. Obviously, as a striker, it gives you confidence, and it gets you going in the flow, and I just had to tap it on the net, and I'd like to thank [Antoine Semenyo, for the assist], of course, and yeah, it just gives me confidence in the preseason. It feels good, next is the Community Shield,' he said.
'We're trying to learn the new tactics, the patterns, and what the coach demands from us, and I think we're starting to get the hang of it.
'Obviously, after 10 years, what Pep did here was unbelievable. It's not easy after the change, but we've done really well, and we'll go back home and keep going.
'The summer was amazing. I also got married as well, so I had the best days of my life and it's amazing to be back.
'The culture here is so nice. I'd like to thank all the fans for this unbelievable support.
'I felt the warmth. All of us felt it. The stadium was full today. Their culture is amazing. The food. I love their food, and we had a couple of amazing weeks.'
