What Pep Guardiola Told Antoine Semenyo Not to Do at Manchester City
- Antoine Semenyo has disclosed a tactical instruction he is not allowed to use at Manchester City, despite relying on it at Bournemouth
- The 26-year-old says Pep Guardiola has restricted the approach following his move to the Sky Blues in the January transfer window
- Meanwhile, Semenyo has endured a quiet spell in front of goal for the Sky Blues, failing to register a goal or assist in his last five games
Antoine Semenyo has disclosed an unusual restriction placed on one of his most surprising weapons since joining Manchester City: his long throw-in.
The Ghanaian forward said manager Pep Guardiola told him the tactic, which once proved effective at Bournemouth, has no place in City’s carefully structured style of play.
Semenyo, who was praised by teammate Erling Haaland, admitted the instruction was straightforward and said long throws were not part of the plan at the Etihad.
Source: Getty Images
Semenyo opens up on long throw 'ban'
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In a candid reflection on his development, Semenyo traced the origin of the technique back to his Bournemouth days under Andoni Iraola, where a moment in training unlocked an unexpected asset.
"I have got a long throw; I don't know where or how. But I think because I'm so strong, I can throw the ball far; that's the only reason why. It was Andoni Iraola [that urged me to practise it during training]. I threw it one time, and he [Andoni] was like 'Wow, we've got to use it.'"
However, that same weapon has now been shelved in Manchester.
"I don't think Pep [Guardiola] wants to see them [long throws], I will be honest. There are some of the boys [who ask], 'Are you gonna take long throws?' and I'm like, 'I don't know,' he ended."
Watch the interview, as shared on X:
Was Semenyo successful with long throw-ins?
The technique, sparingly used in the modern game, once delivered real impact.
In a December 30 Premier League clash against Chelsea, Semenyo’s long deliveries directly contributed to two goals in a thrilling 2-2 draw, with David Brooks and Justin Kluivert both benefiting from his set-piece chaos, according to BBC Sport.
But since his January move to City, the approach has been quietly dropped. Guardiola’s system - built on structure, control, and positional discipline - has left little room for improvisation of that nature.
That tactical rigidity has long been a hallmark of the Spanish coach, admired for consistency but sometimes criticised for limiting spontaneity.
For Semenyo, who fired a subtle warning to Arsenal in the Premier League run-in, the challenge now is adaptation.
Source: Getty Images
Semenyo's form and performance under scrutiny
His early burst of form - four goals and an assist in six games - has slowed, with no direct contributions in his last five appearances.
The London-born forward's lack of impact in front of goal has come under scrutiny, with some questioning his long-term role in Pep's starting lineup.
Still, with three matches left and 15 goals plus four assists in the league, according to Transfermarkt, he remains a useful option as City continue their push to catch Arsenal at the top of the table.
Semenyo backed for success at Man City
YEN.com.gh also reported that Michael Akuffo believes Antoine Semenyo has the quality and mentality to become one of the country’s standout performers.
The former Ghana international tipped the 26-year-old for a trophy-filled future at Manchester City and a strong showing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Ghana.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
