Antoine Semenyo says Enzo Maresca’s Manchester City style is ‘music to my ears’

Antoine Semenyo says Enzo Maresca’s attacking system at Manchester City suits his own game and will give him the freedom to take on defenders throughout matches.

The winger believes Maresca’s approach, particularly the responsibility given to wide players, will allow him to regularly find one-on-one situations and make a greater impact in the final third.

“When he was appointed, that was the first thing I thought about, because the wingers in his teams are always advanced and have a lot of freedom,” Semenyo told the BBC.

“That is what excites me the most. As a winger, I will get one-versus-one situations throughout the match, and that is something I am looking forward to.”

Semenyo said he has already held individual meetings with Maresca to understand the manager’s ideas and style of play.

“I have had individual sessions with him to explain the way we play, and I think his ideas are brilliant and very similar to Pep Guardiola’s ideas,” he added.

“My role is clear: stay out wide and, when I receive the ball, create chances. That style is music to my ears.”

Semenyo impressed during Manchester City’s pre-season meeting with Inter, despite the English side eventually losing on penalties after the match ended in a draw. He played for 68 minutes and helped create City’s goal.

Maresca praised Semenyo and several other players after the game, while making clear that he prefers attacking wingers who are willing to take on opponents individually.

The Ghana international joined Manchester City from Bournemouth during the previous winter transfer window in a deal worth £65m.

Semenyo said he remains grateful to Bournemouth for the role the club played in his development in the Premier League.

“I owe Bournemouth everything. They helped me develop so much in the Premier League,” he said.

The winger also revealed that he spoke to Guardiola before completing his move to Manchester City. Guardiola told him he would help him improve as a player, and Semenyo believes that promise has already been fulfilled.

“He told me he would make me a better player, and he has really helped me over the past few months,” Semenyo said.

Semenyo added that his faith remains central to his career and his approach to football.

“My faith comes first. I would not be here without it, and I always try to give my best,” he said.

Manchester City will continue their preparations for the new campaign against the South Korean league stars on 5 August. They will then complete their pre-season schedule against Atletico de Madrid on 9 August.

Their competitive season begins against Arsenal in the FA Community Shield, the English Super Cup, on the evening of 16 August.

Manchester City will start their Premier League campaign away to Bournemouth on 23 August.