Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo has commented on the tactical vision of new manager Enzo Maresca, highlighting the focus on wide play. Semenyo’s remarks follow Maresca’s first match in charge, a pre-season friendly against Inter in Hong Kong, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Semenyo impressed in the match, contributing to Divin Mubama’s goal.
Maresca, who previously served as an assistant to Pep Guardiola during City’s treble-winning season, has expressed his desire for wingers who can excel in one-on-one situations. Semenyo noted that this approach was evident during Maresca’s previous tenure at the club when they faced Chelsea, where wide players were given considerable freedom. This tactical emphasis was a key factor in Semenyo’s excitement when Maresca was appointed.
Semenyo joined City from Bournemouth in the January transfer window for £62.5 million. He made a significant impact in his initial half-season, scoring 11 goals, including the winning goal in the FA Cup final. The Ghana international had attracted interest from several prominent clubs but chose City, eager to develop under Guardiola’s guidance.
Reflecting on his time with Guardiola, Semenyo mentioned the former manager’s advice on patience and positioning. Guardiola encouraged him to relax on the ball and wait for openings, focusing on one-on-one opportunities against defenders. This guidance helped Semenyo adapt his game, particularly after initially trying to play too quickly.
The Carabao Cup victory over Arsenal in March marked Semenyo’s first trophy as a professional footballer. He described the experience of competing for silverware as a new feeling compared to his time at Bournemouth, where results were more varied. City’s pursuit of the Premier League title ultimately fell short after a 3-3 draw with Everton and a loss to Bournemouth in the final week, allowing Arsenal to secure the title.
Semenyo’s performance against Inter, alongside Savinho and Ryan McAidoo, showcased direct dribbling, which he attributes to Maresca’s tactical instructions. He stated that Maresca has communicated his ideas to the team from the outset, including individual meetings to discuss setup and playstyle for wide players and the team as a whole.
Maresca’s Vision and Squad Adaptation
Maresca’s tactical ideas are described by Semenyo as “quite similar to Pep,” with a strong emphasis on wide play and creating opportunities. While Guardiola sometimes varied Semenyo’s role between wide and inside positions depending on the opposition, Maresca’s approach is consistently focused on being wide and creating chances upon receiving the ball.
Defender Josko Gvardiol has also voiced his support for Maresca, describing him as the “perfect” choice to succeed Guardiola. Gvardiol acknowledged that adapting to a new manager and tactical approach will require time, especially with a depleted squad due to post-World Cup breaks. He emphasized the players’ responsibility to help Maresca settle in quickly as the competitive season approaches.
Maresca, who is 46 years old, has clarified that while there may be similar concepts to Guardiola’s philosophy, he intends to implement his own distinct approach. He stated that managers cannot simply “copy and paste” others’ ideas, and he views football differently. Gvardiol, who recently signed a new long-term contract with City until 2031, has publicly backed Maresca, providing stability for the club as it transitions from the Guardiola era.
Pre-Season Tour and Future Fixtures
The team’s pre-season tour continues in South Korea, where they are scheduled to face K-League All Stars and Atletico Madrid. Following these matches, City will return to England to play Arsenal in the Community Shield before commencing their Premier League season against Bournemouth.
Semenyo expressed gratitude to his former club, Bournemouth, for helping his Premier League career flourish. The early glimpses of Maresca’s system suggest that Semenyo’s direct style of play will be a prominent feature in the coming months.
During the 1-1 draw with Inter, other players also made notable contributions. Vitor Reis strengthened his case for a role in the team, excelling in possession, winning aerial duels, and confidently stepping into midfield. Ruben Dias, Matheus Nunes, and Omar Marmoush are expected to start in the upcoming friendly against K-League All Stars after their encouraging performances against Inter.
The team is also managing squad changes, with Bernardo Silva having moved to Real Madrid on a free transfer. Rodri’s recovery is reportedly on track, while Savinho is nearing a move to Tottenham, and John Stones has joined Inter.
Semenyo’s individual meetings with Maresca have covered how the manager wants to set up the team and how he wants his wide players to operate, indicating a clear tactical direction for the upcoming season.
The Carabao Cup victory in March was Semenyo’s first trophy as a footballer.
Source: nytimes.com