Antoine Semenyo hails ‘madman’ Pep Guardiola and sends Bournemouth message to Manchester City squad | OneFootball

Antoine Semenyo has credited Pep Guardiola’s passion and the quality in the Manchester City squad for transforming him as a footballer since his January arrival.

Semenyo scored the only goal of the game at Wembley on Saturday, converting a clever back-heel from Erling Haaland‘s cross to give City a 1-0 victory over Chelsea and complete a domestic double in what has been a remarkable five months since joining from Bournemouth for £65 million in January.

In post-match media duties, the 26-year-old reflected on his development, his admiration for his manager and a childhood dream finally realised at the home of English football.

Semenyo: Pep’s a mad man, we all love him!

Semenyo was asked about Guardiola in conversation with TNT Sports and the Manchester City forward did not hold back.

The Ghana international said: “He’s a mad man! We all love him, he’s so passionate, you can see it, he wants to win trophies.

“And what he’s done for the club is amazing – and I’m so grateful to be here, so grateful that he gets to coach me and make me a better player. He’s just a top man!”

The description of Guardiola as a “mad man” – delivered with obvious affection – echoes what playmaker Rayan Cherki said earlier in the season when he called the City manager “crazy” in his love for the game.

Both players arrived at City less than a year ago and both have offered the same immediate verdict – a manager whose passion is impossible to ignore and whose effect on those around him is transformative.

Semenyo was equally warm in his broader reflections on his first five months at the Etihad Stadium. “It’s been hard work to be honest,” the winger added. “I’m learning a lot. I’ve got top pros around me, a top coach, and it’s been a great five months – and long may it continue!”

Everything at Man City is new to me, says Semenyo

Speaking to official club media, Semenyo reflected on what winning trophies of this magnitude means for a player who has never experienced it before.

“As a kid I always wanted to play for the top teams, competing for trophies and shining,” the forward said. “I’m grateful. I just had to keep working hard and you get your chance. I’ve never competed for trophies like this before. Everything is new to me.”

The honesty in the words is striking. Semenyo spent his career at Bristol City and Bournemouth before Saturday’s winner at Wembley – a trajectory that makes the moment all the more meaningful. His childhood dream of playing for top teams and competing for silverware has been realised in the space of five months.

Semenyo: It’s about getting ready for Tuesday

Despite the magnitude of the occasion, Semenyo made clear his focus had already shifted to City’s next fixture – a Premier League trip to Bournemouth on Tuesday that keeps alive any remaining hope of catching Arsenal in the title race.

“I don’t think there will be much celebrations tonight, it’s about getting ready for Tuesday. Just train the same way and hopefully results fall in our hands,” Semenyo added.

“So we just have to pray it happens. I’m enjoying every day and enjoying all these trophies. Hopefully we can finish off the job by the end of the season.”

The reference to “finishing off the job” is pointed. City face Bournemouth on Tuesday before hosting Aston Villa on the final day of the season – with Arsenal needing to drop points in their remaining games for the title to return to the Etihad Stadium. For Semenyo, the celebrations can wait. The season is not over yet.