'World Cup helped increase harmony inside team': Manchester City winger Marmoush
As the team includes several new faces among the playing and coaching staff, 26-year-old Marmoush said spending this time together is having a positive effect.
'We've spent so much time together, sitting together at breakfast, lunch and dinner,' the Egyptian international was quoted as saying by the club's official website.
'Also, between and after sessions, we have free time that we spend together. This brings the chemistry up and makes us feel like a big family," he expressed.
'We could be here for a month, so having fun every day helps improve the chemistry a lot and play better on the pitch,' he added.
City, which ended the English Premier League in third place this season, delivered outstanding performances since the start of the World Cup.
They have beaten Morocco's Wydad 2-0, UAE's Al-Ain 6-0, and finally Juventus 5-2 at the group stage.
World Cup race is open
Arriving at City in January from Germany's Eintracht Frankfurt, Marmoush quickly proved his worth, scoring eight goals in 24 appearances so far.
The Pharaohs player appeared twice at the World Cup, against Wydad and Juventus, to help secure the perfect record ahead of the knockout stage.
According to Marmoush, his team respects all opponents, including round of 16 rivals Al-Hilal, stressing that they know the road well to be unbeatable.
'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 explained.
Al-Hilal reached the round of 16 after draws with Real Madrid and RB Salzburg and a victory over Mexican side Pachuca.
'Al-Hilal are known as one of the best teams in Saudi Arabia, and I think they've already proved in the tournament that they have a lot of quality,' the Egyptian player said.
'We respect all of the opponents; however, we know if we bring our qualities on the pitch, we will be very hard to beat,' he concluded.
Find more details on group standings, match schedules, and competition statistics.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
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