Online Reporter
REAL Betis midfielder Giovani Lo Celso hopes former Manchester United winger Antony will be at his “contagious” best in today’s Europa League opener against Nottingham Forest.
The Reds are back in continental competition for the first time since the 1995/96 season and start with a mouthwatering trip to cavernous La Cartuja, Betis’ temporary home while their ground is redeveloped.
Forest 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 Los Verdiblancos 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.
“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 95 million euros plus a potential five million euros in add-ons.
But the Brazil international is revered by all connected to Betis, who agreed a deal worth up to 25 million euros to bring him back.
Head coach Manuel Pellegrini says, “it’s not been cheap to get Antony” from United, who also hold a 50 percent sell-on clause in a player who looks at home in Seville.
“On a personal level, I don’t have any doubts about him,” the former Manchester City boss said after Antony’s first two appearances since returning.
“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 Hector Bellerin, Diego Llorente, Nelson Deossa and Marc Bartra will miss today’s game against Forest, who are searching for their first win under Ange 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.” — PA
