Antoine Semenyo thrilled by freedom under new Man City boss Enzo Maresca

HONG KONG, CHINA - AUGUST 1: Antoine Semenyo of Manchester City (R) and Andy Diouf of Inter Milan (L) compete for the ball during the Manchester City v Inter Milan - Pre-Season Friendly at Kai Tak Stadium on August 1, 2026 in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo has expressed his excitement about playing under new manager Enzo Maresca, describing the Italian's attacking philosophy as perfectly suited to his game.

Semenyo impressed during City's pre-season clash with Inter Milan in Hong Kong, tormenting the opposition defence with his pace and direct running before helping create a goal in Maresca's first match in charge.

Although City eventually lost on penalties, the Ghanaian believes the performance offered a glimpse of the football supporters can expect under the former Chelsea boss.

"When he got appointed, that was the first thing I thought about because when you've played Chelsea previously when he was there, his wide men were always high and quite free," Semenyo said.

The 26-year-old is particularly excited by the freedom being given to City's wingers, allowing them to attack defenders in one-on-one situations.

"That was one of the things that excited me the most when he got appointed. It's exciting for me as a winger. I get to have one-v-one situations most of the game and I am looking forward to it."

Semenyo also revealed that Maresca has held individual meetings with players to explain his tactical ideas and expectations, giving them a clear understanding of their roles.

"I have had individual meetings with him on how he wants to set up, how he wants to play his wide men and just overall as a team."

The former Bournemouth forward believes Maresca's philosophy shares similarities with his predecessor Pep Guardiola, while also giving attacking players greater licence to express themselves.

"I think his ideas are great, quite similar to Pep, but if you watched the Inter game, you would have seen a couple of his ideas play out, and it was good."

Semenyo says Maresca's instructions are refreshingly simple.

"Enzo is just 'stay out wide, and when you get the ball, just create opportunities. ' So it is music to my ears."

The Black Stars winger will be hoping the freedom offered by Maresca's system translates into another productive campaign as Manchester City prepare for the start of the new Premier League season.

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