Cliff Notes – Lo Celso hoping Antony at ‘contagious’ best for Forest clash
- Giovani Lo Celso emphasised the importance of Antony’s return to Real Betis, highlighting his “contagious” energy ahead of the Europa League opener against Nottingham Forest.
- Nottingham Forest is making its first appearance in continental competition since the 1995-96 season, facing Betis at La Cartuja during the stadium’s redevelopment.
- Head coach Manuel Pellegrini expressed confidence in Antony’s performance despite his recent lack of training, noting the financial commitment involved in securing his return from Manchester United.
Lo Celso hoping Antony at ‘contagious’ best for Forest clash
Real Betis midfielder Giovani Lo Celso hopes former Manchester United winger Antony will be at his “contagious” best in Wednesday’s Europa League opener against Nottingham Forest.
Forest are back in continental competition for the first time since the 1995-96 season and start with a mouthwatering trip to La Cartuja, Betis’ temporary home whilst their ground is redeveloped.
Ange Postecoglou’s side are among the favourites to win the Europa League along with hosts Betis, who lost the Conference League final to Chelsea last season, having made a memorable run to their first European showpiece.
Antony played a starring role during a wildly-successful loan spell from United, who finally sold the Brazil international to Betis on deadline day after protracted negotiations.
Betis’ former Tottenham midfielder Lo Celso said: “The comeback from Antony is very important for the club, as well as for Antony.
“It’s not been an easy summer for him because we do know how English clubs behave in these situations. They won’t let you train, things get difficult.
Antony returned to Real Betis from Manchester United after a successful loan spell in Seville in the second half of last season. Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
“His last game was played in May and he came to the team with a lot of energy. We saw him playing fantastically against Real Sociedad and in the previous encounter as well.
“Every time he touches the ball there’s this danger feeling coming so it’s great. It’s very contagious as well. It’s good and he’s a great addition to the team.”
Antony was part of United’s five-man ‘bomb squad’, having fallen well short of expectations since joining from Ajax in 2022 for an initial £82.1 million ($110.9m) plus a potential £4.3m ($5.8m) in add-ons.
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But the 25-year-old is revered by all connected to Betis, who agreed a deal worth up to £21.6m ($29.1m) to bring him back.
Head coach Manuel Pellegrini said “it’s not been cheap to get Antony” from United, who also hold a 50 per cent sell-on clause in a player that looks at home in Seville.
“On a personal level, I don’t have any doubts on him,” the former Manchester City boss said after Antony’s first two appearances since returning.
Giovani Lo Celso and Antony were crucial to Real Betis’ run to the Conference League final last year. Fran Santiago – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
“I do know that he spent some months without training and obviously he needs a bit of time to get back to it.
“But he has a very good performance, he is very aware of his situation, his position and we are pretty happy with his performance honestly.”
Pellegrini confirmed Héctor Bellerín, Diego Llorente, Nelson Deossa and Marc Bartra will miss Wednesday’s game against Forest, who are searching for their first win under Postecoglou.
The Australian replaced much-loved Nuno Espirito Santo earlier this month having won the Europa League in May with Tottenham, where Lo Celso played under him during the 2023-24 season.
“Obviously he is a great coach,” the Argentina international said. “He is a coach that likes the best kind of football.
“He is very intense, they look for speed, he likes to transition very fast on the pitch and obviously we’re going to try to be superior.”