Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo has expressed his excitement ahead of Sunday’s heavyweight Premier League showdown against Liverpool at Anfield.
Pep Guardiola’s side travel to Merseyside for one of the league’s most anticipated fixtures, with Semenyo eager to test himself on one of English football’s biggest stages.
The Ghana international has made an impressive start to life at City, scoring four goals in his first six appearances since joining the champions.
The 26-year-old is no stranger to Anfield either, having already found the net twice at the iconic stadium on the opening day of the season while still with former club Bournemouth.
Reflecting on the occasion, Semenyo admitted the fixture always caught his attention before his move to Manchester.
“As an outsider before joining here, it was always entertaining watching City and Liverpool,” said Semenyo in an interview with the club’s media.
“To be part of it, I’m so grateful, but it’s going to be a challenge.
“We’re prepared for it, and we’ll be fired up for it on the day. I’m looking forward to the game.”
Semenyo’s form this season explains why he was among the most in-demand attackers in the Premier League, having registered 14 goals in 27 appearances for Bournemouth and Manchester City combined.
Just a month into his City career, the forward says he has settled quickly into life at the Etihad, praising both the squad and the club’s culture.
“Everyone has been welcoming,” said Semenyo.
“It’s a great environment to be around. We feel welcome, comfortable and we can just be ourselves. It’s being in a champion environment.
“Playing with the best players in the world and being coached by one of the best coaches in the world – it’s only going to take my game to the next level.”
Semenyo also highlighted the influence of Guardiola, describing the City boss as demanding but deeply supportive.
“He only wants us to get better. He believes in us so much and always reminds us every day that we can win. He’s very insightful, and I’m enjoying it.”
The former Bournemouth attacker acknowledged the expectations that come with playing for City, particularly alongside prolific striker Erling Haaland.
“I have expectations for myself, so coming here I knew there was going to be that pressure of scoring the same goals as Erling [Haaland], but I feel like I’ve given myself those goals at the start of the season to compete with players of his stature.
“Being on the same team as Erling is a blessing. Goalscoring is something that is in my blood, and my DNA and I just want to keep going.”
Sunday’s clash between Liverpool and Manchester City kicks off at 16:30 GMT at Anfield.
