Enzo Maresca has reportedly sent a strong warning to Antoine Semenyo, insisting that the Manchester City forward must improve his performances before he can be considered for a starting position again.
The City manager is believed to be unhappy with certain aspects of Semenyo’s recent performances and wants the attacker to demonstrate greater consistency, better decision-making, and a stronger contribution to the team’s attacking play before he receives another opportunity to start.
The situation could represent a difficult moment for Semenyo, who would naturally want to play an important role in Manchester City’s plans. However, competition for places at a club of City’s stature is fierce, and Maresca is understood to expect every player to meet his standards regardless of their reputation or previous performances.
Speaking about the importance of maintaining high standards, Maresca’s message in this fictionalised scenario is clear: nobody can expect to remain in the starting lineup without proving that they deserve their place. Semenyo may possess considerable attacking qualities, but the manager wants to see those qualities translated into consistent performances that benefit the entire team.
“Antoine Semenyo has to improve. We know he has quality, but quality alone is not enough at Manchester City. Every player must show that he can contribute to the team, work hard, and make the right decisions. Until he improves the areas we expect him to improve, it will be difficult for him to start regularly,” Maresca could say in a fictionalised reaction to the situation.
The reported warning highlights the level of competition within Manchester City’s squad. At a club competing for major trophies, every position comes with enormous responsibility, and players are expected to perform at a consistently high level. A few promising moments may not be enough to guarantee a starting place when other players are also fighting for opportunities.
For Semenyo, the immediate challenge will be to convince Maresca that he can deliver more than occasional flashes of brilliance. The manager will want to see an attacker who can make a difference in important matches, contribute to the team’s attacking structure, and demonstrate the discipline required to execute the tactical plan.
One of the areas Semenyo may need to improve is his decision-making in the final third. Manchester City frequently face opponents who defend with several players behind the ball, leaving limited space for attackers to operate. In those situations, players must know when to take on a defender, when to pass to a teammate, and when to make a run into the penalty area.
Making the wrong decision in these situations can disrupt an attacking move and allow opponents to regain possession. Maresca will therefore expect Semenyo to become more effective when opportunities arise, particularly when the team needs creativity and precision to break down a difficult defence.
Another important consideration is his contribution when Manchester City do not have possession. Modern attacking football requires forwards to participate in pressing, close down passing lanes, and help their teammates recover the ball quickly. A player who offers attacking quality but fails to carry out defensive responsibilities can create additional problems for the team.
Maresca is known for emphasising tactical organisation and collective responsibility in his approach to football. In this scenario, Semenyo would need to demonstrate that he understands what the manager expects from him in and out of possession.
The competition for attacking positions could make the situation even more challenging. Manchester City have several talented players who will be eager to establish themselves, and any opportunity left open by an underperforming teammate could be taken by another member of the squad.
That means Semenyo cannot afford to assume that his place in the team is guaranteed. Even if he has the ability to change matches with his pace, physical strength, and direct attacking approach, he must continue to demonstrate that he can fit into the manager’s preferred system.
However, being left out of the starting lineup would not necessarily mean that Maresca has lost confidence in the forward completely. Managers sometimes remove players from the starting team to encourage improvement, protect them from excessive pressure, or give them an opportunity to work on specific weaknesses in training.
For Semenyo, the best response would be to concentrate on his performances rather than become distracted by speculation about his position. Improving his movement, sharpening his finishing, making better decisions in possession, and working harder without the ball could help him rebuild the manager’s confidence.
The forward must also understand that opportunities from the bench can be just as important as starting appearances. A strong substitute performance can change a manager’s assessment of a player, particularly when the team needs fresh energy or a different attacking approach during the second half.
If Semenyo receives limited minutes in the coming matches, he will need to make every appearance count. A decisive contribution, intelligent movement, or improved work rate could demonstrate that he is responding positively to the manager’s demands.
Meanwhile, Maresca will have to consider what is best for Manchester City as a team. The manager’s primary responsibility is to select players who can execute his tactical instructions and give the club the strongest possible chance of winning matches. Reputation alone cannot determine who starts.
Nevertheless, a prolonged spell on the bench could become frustrating for Semenyo, particularly if he believes he has more to offer. The key will be how he responds to the challenge and whether he can turn the situation into an opportunity to improve his overall game.
There is also a wider message for the Manchester City squad. If players understand that starting positions depend on performances rather than reputation, competition within the dressing room can become stronger. Every player must remain focused, knowing that opportunities will have to be earned through hard work and consistency.
For supporters, the situation would raise questions about how Maresca intends to manage his attacking options. Some may believe Semenyo deserves more opportunities to demonstrate his qualities, while others may support the manager’s decision to demand higher standards before restoring him to the starting lineup.
Ultimately, the situation would depend on Semenyo’s response. If he works hard, improves the areas that need attention, and demonstrates greater consistency, he could put himself back into contention for a starting position. If his performances fail to improve, however, competition for places could make it increasingly difficult for him to secure regular minutes.
Maresca’s reported message is therefore a reminder that no player at Manchester City can afford to become complacent. Every member of the squad must continue developing, contributing to the team’s objectives, and proving that they deserve to play.