It hasn’t been easy' - Semenyo on adapting to Guardiola's system

Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo has admitted that adapting to the tactical demands of Pep Guardiola has been challenging, but says he is relishing the opportunity to grow under one of football’s most exacting coaches.

Speaking about his role, the Manchester City attacker offered an honest assessment of the adjustment period.

“It’s been tough, it hasn’t been easy,” Semenyo said. “I think how he wants me to be is high in attacking positions, be out wide and once we have the ball defensively, be narrow. It’s obviously not easy, it’s a hard graft, but I’m quite versatile in that sense.”

‎Guardiola is known for his intricate tactical systems, demanding positional discipline and constant movement both in and out of possession. For Semenyo, that has meant learning when to stretch play from wide areas and when to tuck inside to maintain defensive structure.

‎Despite the steep learning curve, the Ghanaian’s versatility has been a key asset. Comfortable playing across the front line, he has shown a willingness to adapt, a trait Guardiola values highly.

Semenyo’s comments reflect both the intensity of life at the highest level and the mindset required to succeed there. While the transition has not been straightforward, his readiness to embrace the “hard graft” suggests a player determined to refine his game and cement his place in one of Europe’s elite squads.