Manchester United‘s Antony experienced a rollercoaster second appearance for his new club Real Betis, as what began as a promising match quickly turned sour.
The 24-year-old Brazilian, who moved to Betis on loan until the end of the season, followed up his Man of the Match debut with an early goal against Celta Vigo, giving Betis hope for their second win in six matches across all competitions.
However, despite teammate Diego Llorente also scoring, Betis succumbed to a 3-2 defeat after a second-half comeback by Celta, culminating in Williot Swedberg’s 87th-minute winner. Antony, booked earlier and substituted at the 72nd minute, couldn’t hide his frustration post-match.
Speaking to DAZN, he expressed his disappointment: “It’s very difficult to understand that we lost this match. We started very well, we went 2-0 up but we have to change our mentality,” and added, “We scored two goals, but we have to be focused throughout the match, the 90 minutes. We have to work to be better.”
He went onto emphasis the need for a shift in mindset: “We have to change our mentality. We have to start well and finish well. We have to work hard, look at what we are not doing well in order to get the three points in the next game.”
Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini remarked on his team’s performance, sharing: “It was a good first half in which we took the lead. Two goals are a good advantage, but it was not decided.
“Unconsciously we took refuge in the scoreboard, they took the initiative and scored two goals that tied the game. Then we had a frustrating second half in terms of football.
“The second half was not good defensively. Celta is an offensive team, that plays well and looks for the opposing goal. We lost control of the ball and we took refuge in the 0-2.”
Pellegrini went on to voice his support for recent arrival Antony and explain how he feels he can help the winger get his career back on track, saying: “Well, I think it was a very positive debut. He’s a quality player.
“I was talking to him just before the game. I think a good player doesn’t have to be constantly showing off his skills with the ball. He has to play a good game, make few mistakes and do two or three important things: a goal, a good pass, a good cross.”
Pellegrini added praise for Antony’s immediate impact: “I think he was very involved today, especially with the second goal. He had just arrived a couple of days before and I think he’s going to contribute a lot to us.”
With eyes now on the future, Betis are gearing up for their next challenge against Belgian outfit Gent in the Conference League play-off round.
This article originally appeared on Mirror
Content Source: www.express.co.uk