Marmoush: FIFA Club World Cup helping to build squad chemistry | OneFootball

Omar Marmoush says City’s players are bonding during the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup.

The Blues have already spent more than two weeks together in the US as we approach our Round of 16 tie with Al-Hilal at 02:00 (UK) on Tuesday 1 July.

Based by the beach in Boca Raton, training sessions have been followed by time on the beach or poolside with players and families all enjoying each other’s company.

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With several new faces amongst the playing and coaching staff, Marmoush says this time in close proximity to each other is having a positive effect.

“We’ve spent so much time together, sitting together at breakfast, lunch and dinner," he began.

“Also, between sessions and after sessions we have free time that we’re spending together. That brings the chemistry up and makes us feel like a big family.

“We could be here for a month so having fun every day helps a lot to improve the chemistry and play better on the pitch.”

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A tradition at the Club is that new players and coaches sing a song for the rest of the travelling party.

Having only arrived at City in January, Marmoush has been one of those that has performed in the US.

“I sang a song in Arabic and I chose that because there was no music,” the Egyptian admitted.

“I said I’ll sing that because no-one understands Arabic so I can just say anything!”

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City arrive at the knockout stages with the only remaining 100% record in the tournament having won all three matches in Group G.

Al-Hilal got through their group thanks to draws with Real Madrid and RB Salzburg, as well as a victory over Mexican side Pachuca.

While many would consider the European sides favourites when coming up against teams from other continents, Marmoush says the players are not complacent.

“Anyone can win the tournament and that’s why it’s so nice to be here because you play teams from all over the world,” he said.

“Al-Hilal are known as one of the best teams in Saudi Arabia and I think they’ve proved already in the tournament that they have a lot of quality.

“We respect all of the opponents but we know if we bring our qualities on the pitch then we will be very hard to beat.”