The Argentine made his first appearance since the end of November, having undergone surgery on a quadriceps injury.
Assessing the 2-1 defeat to City in the FA Cup on Sunday, Senesi told BBC Radio Solent: “We knew that we had a tough opponent in front, so we did our best.
“We scored first and after they have quality and they create a few chances.
“They score and we couldn't press well, recover the ball, have the ball a little bit and try to create some opportunities.”
Senesi said the Cherries struggled as they afforded the City midfielders more time on the ball in the second half for them to show their quality, and then the hosts were unable to create chances of their own when they had possession.
Speaking about the two goals conceded, Senesi said: “I think it’s we commit some mistakes at the moment of pressing and then we are all of out of position and then they have those chances and they have good qualities up front.
_(Image: Richard Crease)_ “Sometimes they miss, sometimes they score, like they did today.”
Kepa saved a penalty and Evanilson handed the Cherries the lead at half time after an excellent performance in the first half.
Senesi said the team were full of belief that they could go on to win, but said: “We also knew that we are playing one of the best team in the league and they have good players and good qualities to create chances, which they have done.”
Asked about his injury, Senesi said he was happy to be back – and happy that the team did well in his absence: “I was happy that the team was performing well.
“They have done it and gutted because my first long injury in my career with surgery and you have to be strong mentally.”
The centre back explained that the injury occurred against Wolves, when he went in on a slide tackle, saying someone knocked his leg, injuring his rectus femoris tendon.
That required surgery and ruled him out for four months.
In that time, 19-year-old Dean Huijsen has started in his place and become one of the stars of the Cherries campaign.
_(Image: Richard Crease)_ Asked about the competition for positions in the remainder of the season, Senesi said: “100 per cent that is going to be a problem for Andoni.
“For us, I think Dean is having an amazing season and I had a really good start of the season and after the injury I'm back. The problem is for Andoni, not for me.”
The Cherries return to league action on Wednesday night against Ipswich Town.
Looking to the rest of the season, Senesi said: “We have nine games to go if I'm not wrong. Tough opponents, tough games and we know if we want to finish higher in the league we have to start winning.”