Chelsea Final: Antony’s Revenge Mission Begins
Manuel Pellegrini, head coach of Real Betis, believes Manchester United loanee Antony is on a personal mission of redemption—what Pellegrini describes as a “revenge” for how things fell apart at Old Trafford. With the UEFA Conference League final against Chelsea looming on Wednesday in Wroclaw, the 25-year-old Brazilian could be preparing for his last appearance in a Betis shirt. The match represents a huge opportunity not just for silverware but also for Antony to show he’s back to his best. The winger, who moved to Seville in January on a six-month deal, has used his time in La Liga to reset his career after a rocky Premier League spell that didn’t justify his €100 million transfer from Ajax.
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Antony’s Struggles and Comeback
Speaking to Brazilian media earlier this week, Antony opened up about the mental toll his United struggles took on him—revealing that he sometimes went days without eating. Despite high expectations following his move from Ajax in 2022, he couldn’t match his former performances and slowly slipped out of United’s plans. Since arriving at Betis, however, Antony has bounced back with nine goals in 25 games, including clutch strikes in both legs of the semi-final win over Fiorentina. That resurgence has sparked interest from clubs like Atletico Madrid and Juventus, though Betis is also reportedly eager to keep him permanently. If United does decide to sell, it’s likely they’ll recoup only a portion of what they originally paid.
Pellegrini’s Praise and Betis’ Belief
Pellegrini, who spoke to Antony before the loan move, said the player’s hunger to prove himself again was clear from the start. “He wants revenge,” the coach said. “He knows he’s made mistakes, but he’s a very good player and this is a big moment for him.” The final against Chelsea won’t be easy—especially with Chelsea coming off a win over Nottingham Forest that locked in their return to the Champions League. Still, Betis, who finished sixth in La Liga, believe they’re more than capable of pulling off a surprise. Led by stars like Isco and Marc Bartra, and coached by a Premier League winner in Pellegrini, Betis are ready to battle. “We don’t think we’re David and they’re Goliath,” Pellegrini added. “Once we’re on the pitch, it’s 11 versus 11. We have the same chance as Chelsea to win.”
