Pep Guardiola Snubs Opportunity to Exploit Antoine Semenyo’s Long Throw-In Ability
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has indicated that the club will not prioritise using Antoine Semenyo’s long throw-in capabilities in the short term, despite the Ghanaian forward’s arrival from Bournemouth generating significant excitement.
Although Semenyo impressed immediately during City’s 10-1 FA Cup victory over Exeter City, contributing both a goal and an assist, Guardiola has emphasised that broader tactical integration takes precedence over isolated skills such as throw-ins.
Speaking to reporters, Guardiola said: “Listen, when you win seven games in a row or 11 unbeaten, you have really, really good things. And there are ones that are not good things, not now after three games that we could not be able to win or even lose, but cannot win, but it’s the same in seven. And the amount of time that we have, there is no time, because obviously we have a lot of games every three days, three days, three days, three days, you have to choose the priorities and priorities will not be long throws, I’m sorry. Maybe in time, one day we’ll talk about it, but there are other things more and more important to make the team grow, grow as a team.”
Guardiola has consistently stressed that embedding new players into City’s positional structure, pressing system, and rotational patterns is more important than exploiting isolated attributes. With domestic, European, and congested Premier League fixtures all underway, refinement of overall team cohesion remains the core priority.
When specifically asked about utilising Semenyo’s long throws later in the campaign, Guardiola stated: “I have many thousand other priorities than that. It’s not a big issue to make the team improve. It’s a detail, yeah, we’ll think about it, we’ll talk about it, but that’s not the point.”
The manager’s comments make it clear that, while Semenyo’s long throw-in could eventually become a tactical weapon, it will not be a defining feature of Manchester City’s attacking strategy in the immediate future. Instead, the focus will remain on integrating him into the team’s pressing structure, positional rotations, and link-up play alongside players such as Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, and Rayan Cherki.
Given Semenyo’s physicality, pace, and directness, there is optimism that he can offer a fresh dynamic in wide and central attacking areas, particularly against low defensive blocks and in transition-heavy scenarios. Guardiola’s measured approach ensures that any additional attributes, like long throws, are secondary to the player’s overall integration into Manchester City’s tactical framework.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why isn’t Manchester City focusing on Semenyo’s long throws?
Pep Guardiola prioritises broader tactical integration, positional rotations, and team cohesion over isolated attributes such as long throws.
How did Semenyo perform on his debut?
He scored and assisted in City’s 10-1 FA Cup win over Exeter City, immediately showcasing his attacking versatility.
Will long throws ever become part of City’s tactics?
Possibly in the future, but Guardiola has indicated that it is currently not a priority.
Which players will Semenyo link up with?
He will primarily integrate with attacking players like Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, and Rayan Cherki.
What is the main focus for Guardiola right now?
The manager aims to embed Semenyo into the team’s pressing structure, positional rotations, and overall tactical system.
Conclusion
Pep Guardiola has made it clear that while Antoine Semenyo’s long throw-in is a potential weapon, Manchester City’s focus will remain on broader tactical integration. Semenyo’s explosive debut has shown his attacking quality, but the club is prioritising embedding him into the team’s pressing system and positional rotations to ensure long-term growth and cohesion, rather than emphasising a single specialized skill.
