The midfielder of True Betis, Giovani Lo Cels, thinks that Antony can make the difference in the conflict of the Europa League on Wednesday with the Nottingham forest, praising the “contagious” influence of the winger on the field.
The forest returns to European football for the first time since the 1995-1996 season, opening its campaign with a trip to the Cartuja, where Betis plays while their stadium is redeveloping a redevelopment.
Both parties come into competition with ambition. The Angel Forest Postcoglou is long -awaited on the continental scene, while Betis – finalists of the Europa conference league last season – is again among the favorites to go deep in Europe.
The return of Antony’s Betis
The Brazilian winger experienced a strong loan in Seville last season before ending a permanent manchester United move on the day limit in an agreement of a value of up to 21.6 million pounds sterling.
Lo Celso stressed the importance of his return: “Antony’s return is very important for the club, as well as for Antony.
“It is not an easy summer for him because we know how English clubs behave in these situations. They will not let you train, things become difficult.
“His last game was played in May and he came to the team with a lot of energy. We saw him play fantastically against Real Sociedad and also during the previous meeting.
“Each time he touches the ball, this feeling of danger happens so it’s great. It’s also very contagious. It’s good and it’s an excellent addition to the team.”
Antony struggled to settle in United after moving 82.1 million pounds from Ajax in 2022, finally falling into disgrace and included in the so-called “bomb team”.
But in Betis, he quickly recovered as a favorite of fans.
Pellegrini was delighted with Antony’s early impact
Head coach Manuel Pellegrini admitted that the club had invested massively to secure Antony’s services permanently, United also retaining a 50%sales clause.
“It’s not cheap to get Antony,” said Pellegrini. “On a personal level, I have no doubt about him. I know he spent a few months without training and, obviously, he needs a little time to come back.
“But he has a very good performance, he is very aware of his situation, his position and we are quite satisfied with his performance honestly.”
The former boss of Manchester City confirmed that Héctor Bellerin, Diego Llorente, Nelson Deossa and Marc Bartra will all miss the forest affair by an injury.
The new era of the forest under postcoglou
The Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, begins its European trip under the new Angel Ange Postcoglou, which replaced Nuno Espirito Santo earlier this month.
The Australian arrives with Pedigree in the competition, after having led Tottenham as the Europa League last season.
Lo Celso, who played under postocoglou in Spurs, expects a difficult test: “Obviously, it is an excellent coach. He is a coach who likes the best type of football.
“He is very intense, they are looking for speed, he likes to pass very quickly on the ground and we will obviously try to be superior.”
