Pep Guardiola revealed the reason why Omar Marmoush stepped up to take the penalty instead of Erling Haaland during Manchester City’s FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace. Eberechi Eze’s cushioned volley was enough to separate the two teams, but City’s Egyptian star squandered their best chance to level the contest.
Bernardo Silva was brought down by Tyrick Mitchell just after the half-hour mark, and after a lengthy VAR check, the on-field decision stood, seemingly giving Haaland the chance to equalise from the spot. Instead, the Norwegian handed the ball, metaphorically and literally, to Marmoush, who saw his effort saved by Dean Henderson — and the reason behind the swap has now been explained.
Guardiola Claims Players Made Decision on Penalty
The Catalan coach did not take responsibility for the swap of the takers
Speaking to the BBC after the final, Guardiola detailed that the decision on who took the penalty was not made by him and it was instead a call by his players, suggesting that Haaland may have chosen not to step up from 12 yards.
“I don’t know [why Haaland didn’t take the penalty]. They take the decisions on the penalties,” Guardiola explained. “I like the guys who take the initiative. They decide.” When it was put to the City boss that it was a lot of pressure for Marmoush to take his first spotkick for the club in such an environment, he simply replied by saying “his next one will be better.”
While Haaland is usually the designated penalty taker for his club, his record this term from 12 yards has been far from flawless. He has scored four of his seven efforts from the spot, missing the other three, including one in the FA Cup against Bournemouth – who will no longer be able to compete in Europe as a result of City’s defeat.