Enzo Maresca Sends Strong Message to Antoine Semenyo After Atletico Madrid Brace

• Enzo Maresca publicly praised Antoine Semenyo following his outstanding display against Atletico Madrid on August 9
• Semenyo registered two assists as Manchester City overturned a deficit to beat Atletico Madrid 3-1 in pre-season
• The Ghana international will face his next major test when Man City take on Arsenal in the Community Shield on August 16

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has delivered a strong message to Antoine Semenyo after the Ghanaian winger played a starring role in City's 3-1 comeback win over Atletico Madrid.

Semenyo produced two assists for Omar Marmoush as City recovered from an early setback to end their pre-season on a high.

Atletico's 16-year-old Jorge Dominguez opened the scoring, but Semenyo quickly changed the game.

His first assist was particularly impressive, as he kept the ball in play near the touchline, skipped past an Atletico defender and drove into the box before calmly picking out Marmoush.

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The Ghana international repeated the trick shortly afterward, again finding Marmoush to put City ahead. Rayan Ait-Nouri then added a third goal deep into stoppage time.

Maresca discloses what he told Semenyo

Semenyo's display drew praise from Maresca, who revealed the message he delivered to the winger after the final whistle.

Speaking to Manchester City's official website, as quoted by CityXtra on X, the Italian manager said:

"The first thing I said to him when I came to the club was, 'Now I'm very happy that you're with us!'"

The remark underlined the confidence Maresca has in the 26-year-old, who has quickly become one of City's most impressive performers during pre-season.

Semenyo has consistently looked dangerous under the new manager, combining his pace and strength with improved decision-making in the final third.

Semenyo carries strong form into new season

The former AFC Bournemouth star has now registered assists against Inter Milan, the K-League All-Stars, and Atletico Madrid during City's pre-season campaign.

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His latest performance was arguably his most influential, with both of his assists directly contributing to the comeback victory.

With pre-season now complete, Semenyo's attention turns to competitive football.

Manchester City face Arsenal in the Community Shield on August 16, giving the Ghana international an immediate opportunity to carry his impressive form into the new campaign.

After such a strong pre-season, expectations around Semenyo are understandably growing.

Source: YEN.com.gh