“It’s worth it to be stubborn” – Pep Guardiola glows on Antoine Semenyo’s career rise | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has issued a glowing reference over the rise of Antoine Semenyo which has ultimately led him to the Etihad Stadium.

Semenyo’s arrival has already generated significant excitement among supporters, not only because of his immediate impact on the pitch, but also due to the unique journey that has shaped him as a player.

Manchester City have consistently placed emphasis on character, resilience, and adaptability when recruiting their next first-team stars, and the Ghanaian forward is viewed as someone who embodies those traits.

The forward’s path to elite football was far from straightforward, marked by rejections, loan spells, and a need to repeatedly prove himself across the EFL. That background has been seen internally as a strength rather than a weakness, with Guardiola and staff believing such experiences create a deeper appreciation for opportunity and a stronger competitive edge.

His explosive debut in the FA Cup against Exeter only reinforced that narrative. In a match that also showcased the depth of City’s squad and integration of Academy talent, Semenyo’s goal and assist underlined both his quality and his hunger to make an immediate impression.

Speaking during a recent media conference, Pep Guardiola spoke fondly of the pathway that has led the Ghanaian international to the Etihad Stadium.

“Sometimes you come up and brighten early, sooner, and sometimes you need, but I’m pretty sure that setbacks, that difficulties make every player, not just Antoine, make the players who you are. That I completely agree with you. So sometimes it’s a little bit later,” said Guardiola.

He continued, “But it’s worth it to be stubborn, to dig in, dig in, and at the end look what happened. Maybe now he feels, ‘Oh, I’m going to play the Champions League’.

“And this enthusiasm, this passion, to play European competitions that he didn’t play before, that is extraordinary. We have to take it. Everything is about passion, love, and life. He will bring us.”

Further asked whether Semenyo’s character has been something Manchester City studied, Guardiola revealed, “Yeah. The club does that job, I think all the clubs do that job.

“It’s not just the TV and seeing his actions in the wings or in that position. Everyone tries to know, from former players that we had, from players that know about him. Of course, we have to try to settle in the way we live and the way we behave.”

Pep Guardiola’s words suggest Semenyo is being viewed as far more than a technical addition to the squad. His mentality, background, and drive are seen as qualities that can elevate the collective spirit of the dressing room, particularly as City continue to compete across fronts.

With the Champions League, Premier League, and domestic cups all in focus, Antoine Semenyo now has the platform he once dreamed of, and how quickly he adapts to the tactical demands and intensity of Guardiola’s system will be a key storyline to watch.

If his debut and Pep Guardiola’s comments are any indication, Manchester City believe they have signed not just a talented forward, but a player whose resilience and passion could become defining elements of his impact at the Etihad Stadium.