Pep Guardiola has suggested that Tony Pulis's Stoke City inspired the Premier League's growing focus on set pieces and direct play. The Manchester City manager shared these thoughts ahead of his team's Carabao Cup fourth-round trip to Swansea on Wednesday night. He also outlined plans to rest Erling Haaland and start Omar Marmoush.
Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola reflected on the evolution of tactics in the Premier League, pointing to Tony Pulis's Stoke City as a key influence. Speaking before the Carabao Cup clash with Swansea, Guardiola noted how Stoke's use of long throw-ins in the late 2000s helped them thrive against the odds in the top flight. "Do you remember Stoke City when they made the throws? It happened in that time. Now it’s just more and more teams doing that but then maybe Stoke was the exception," he said.
Guardiola highlighted similar approaches by other managers, including Sean Dyche at Burnley and Sam Allardyce. "I remember a long time ago with Sean Dyche, Burnley were an incredible threat in the long balls, second balls. Dyche is one of the best by far doing these kind of aspects," Guardiola added. He acknowledged the rising importance of long throw-ins and corners across the league, though he remains committed to his possession-based principles. "I want to score from free-kicks and corners – I’m not naive, I want it – but I spend my time on what we have to do to play better," he explained.
For the match against Championship side Swansea, Guardiola plans significant rotation amid a busy schedule. Erling Haaland is likely to be rested, while Omar Marmoush will make his first start since August. The 18-year-old Divine Mukasa joins the first-team squad, James Trafford returns in goal, and Rodri remains unavailable. "Omar and Erling can play together," Guardiola said. "Omar is the best."