Antoine Semenyo admits to “laughing” on his own during first Pep Guardiola meeting | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola left Antoine Semenyo “laughing” to himself during the first meeting as a squad featuring the Ghanaian forward, he has admitted in a new interview.

The 26-year-old attacker has become an instant hit in Manchester since his big-money winter arrival, penning a deal through to 2031 after completing a deal sanctioned by City’s Sporting Director Hugo Viana.

The Ghana international was largely brought into the club to provide much-needed explosive pace and versatility to a frontline that was looking to regain its edge following a mid-season dip in form.

Antoine Semenyo’s integration into the City machine has been seamless, aided by the genius of Guardiola, as City now head into the final weeks of the campaign having just reclaimed top spot in the Premier League with a 1-0 win at Burnley on Wednesday.

Insider Access: Pep’s CFA Office and his constant ‘pacing’

Speaking exclusively to the All Out Football podcast, Antoine Semenyo has reflected on his first interactions with Pep Guardiola as his new manager, offering insider access into the Catalan’s personal office within the City Football Academy.

“He was just so energetic. Went into his office, soft music playing in the background, smells so nice in his office,” revealed Semenyo.

“He was like, ‘We’re happy to have you here. Continue your fine form and hopefully [we’ll] compete for the league’.”

The former Bournemouth star continued, “He’s generally relaxed. It’s when you get into meetings, that’s where he’s serious.

“I remember the first meeting I had, he was just pacing in front of the room. [I was] thinking, ‘Is this normal?’ Looking back, no-one’s laughing, so I’m on my own. He’s so passionate.”

The quest for a fourth consecutive FA Cup Final

Antoine Semenyo’s reflections come at a pivotal moment for the club, as Manchester City travel to Wembley for an FA Cup semi-final showdown against Championship flyers Southampton.

The Saints, currently fourth in England’s second division, represent the final hurdle before a potentially historic fourth consecutive FA Cup final appearance for the Citizens.

With Rodri and Ruben Dias currently recovering from respective injury issues amid the gruelling run-in, Semenyo is among the names expected to play a prominent role against the South Coast side.

Pep Guardiola is likely to rely on the forward’s fine form as City look to maintain their momentum in a season that could yet see them sweep all domestic honours before the manager makes a final decision on his Manchester City future.