Manchester City assistant coach Pep Lijnders praised winger Antoine Semenyo following his goal-scoring debut for the club in a commanding 10-1 victory over Exeter City. Speaking after the match, Lijnders noted that Semenyo brings qualities to the squad that have been in demand.
The former Bournemouth attacker made an immediate impact in his first appearance for Manchester City, contributing one of the ten goals in a dominant performance. Though Exeter City, currently competing in the lower divisions of English football, provided relatively modest opposition, City’s coaching staff expressed optimism about Semenyo’s potential at the top level.
“Antoine is exactly what we need,” said Lijnders. “His energy, directness, and willingness to engage defenders give us another dimension in attack. It’s not just the goal he scored; it’s his movement and understanding of the game that impressed us.”
Semenyo, 26, joined Manchester City in the January transfer window. Known for his pace and ability to play across the front line, he was brought in to bolster the club’s attacking options amidst a busy fixture schedule that includes domestic and European commitments. Previously playing for Championship side AFC Bournemouth, Semenyo earned his move to the Premier League champions after consistent performances both in club competitions and for the Ghanaian national team.
Though City’s win over Exeter was in a domestic cup competition, the game served as an opportunity for new and fringe players to make an impression. Semenyo’s responsiveness to tactical instructions and his integration into the team’s rhythm suggest a promising trajectory within manager Pep Guardiola’s setup.
While Guardiola did not speak publicly about Semenyo’s performance, Lijnders’ remarks indicate that the coaching staff sees the newcomer as a valuable addition to the squad. City’s next fixtures will likely provide a more strenuous test, offering further opportunities for Semenyo to establish himself among the club’s strong attacking rotation.
The club will monitor his adaptation to City’s tactical demands and the Premier League’s intensity, but the early signs from his debut suggest a positive beginning to his tenure at the Etihad Stadium.
