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Antoine Semenyo has made a tremendous impact since signing for Manchester City from Bournemouth last month. The Ghana international has scored six goals and added two assists in eleven appearances for City. Semenyo has added another consistent goal threat to Pep Guardiola’s side, which City desperately needed. Speaking after scoring the winning goal in Manchester City’s 1-nil win over Leeds United, Semenyo spoke about the adjustments he has had to make while adapting to life at Manchester City. It is a credit to Semenyo that he is making such a strong contribution to City’s cause while adapting to playing under Pep Guardiola.
Antoine Semenyo has explained how Pep Guardiola wants him to play at Manchester City.
In an interview with Simon Bajkowski for the Manchester Evening News, Antoine Semenyo has explained what Pep Guardiola expects from him on the pitch. Semenyo also shared what it is like playing under Pep Guardiola. He explained: “He’s properly passionate (Pep Guardiola). You learn so much from him, just so many ideas that he has that us players wouldn’t think of. That same passion from the manager that has been winning for years and celebrates like it’s his first, that’s the passion we carry in the game so it’s perfect.”
“When I’m on the ball going forward and trying to attack it’s not always about going 100mph. It’s about being calm, relax, and then start getting the wheels in motion. It’s just being more calm in my game because I like to go at 100mph sometimes so that’s a big learning curve for me but I’m picking it up really quickly.”
The impact Semenyo made against Leeds was exactly what City needed but you could see where the improvement will come from Semenyo.
Without Erling Haaland for the match against Leeds, Manchester City needed someone to step up and take responsibility in front of goal. Antoine Semenyo did that when he got into the ideal position to tap in Rayan Ait-Nouri’s cross on the stroke of halftime. It was a poacher’s finish from Semenyo, and it highlighted just how dangerous the Ghana international is in the final third. Outside of his goal, Semenyo put in a clunky performance in terms of his touch, although he did put in the hard yards that his team needed out of possession. Semenyo’s overall performance against Leeds also showed where he needs to improve as a City player.
Antoine Semenyo spoke of his need to calm down when in possession. It stood out against Leeds that learning this aspect of Pep Guardiola’s demands remains a work in progress. At times, Semenyo is too eager to make an an impact. Against Leeds, and in other matches, Semenyo has lost possession when running at Manchester City’s opponents. The Ghana international is yet to learn when to hold up play so City can control the flow of a match or when to go at defenders. It will be a gradual process for Semenyo to learn this side of City’s play.
The fact that Antoine Semenyo is scoring crucial goals while learning how to play in a Pep Guardiola side is a testament to his talent and determination. Semenyo has more levels to reach as a Manchester City player. It will take time for Semenyo to become the complete package at City. If he keeps scoring crucial goals while growing as a City player that would be ideal for Pep Guardiola’s side.