Antoine Semenyo says Enzo Maresca’s instructions to Man City wingers are “music to my ears” after scoring twice in the 5-3 win over Sunderland.
Semenyo also provided an assist at the Etihad on Sunday and says Maresca’s preference for keeping his wide players high and wide suits him.
Semenyo enjoying role under Maresca
The 26-year-old had an idea of what to expect when Maresca replaced Pep Guardiola during the summer, having previously faced his Chelsea side while playing for Bournemouth.
“When he got appointed, that was the first thing I thought about because when I’ve played Chelsea previously when he was there, his wide men were always high and wide and quite free,” Semenyo told the Manchester Evening News.
“That was one of the things that excited me the most when he got appointed and it’s exciting for me as a winger. I get to have one-v-one situations most of the game, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Semenyo says his instructions under Guardiola could change depending on who City were playing. Under Maresca, he knows where he is expected to be.
“Some games Pep wanted me wide, some games he wanted me inside a little bit more,” he said. “It was just depending on our opposition. But Enzo is just: out wide and when you get the ball, just create opportunities. It’s music to my ears. It’s exciting, for sure.”
It certainly worked against Sunderland. Semenyo scored his first two City goals and added an assist as Maresca’s side made it five Premier League wins from five.
Haaland deputy?
He may not always be used on the wing. Semenyo has already responded to suggestions that he could provide cover for Erling Haaland, saying he would have no problem playing through the middle if required, although nobody at City has spoken to him about such a role.
For now, Maresca wants him out wide and attacking defenders. On the evidence of Sunday, Semenyo is quite happy with that.
He also revealed what was said in the City dressing room after the Sunderland win, with the players discussing how quickly the squad has come together during their first seven or eight weeks under Maresca.
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