Real Betis star Antony has reportedly raised concerns about the condition of the pitch ahead of the Europa League Conference final against Chelsea. The Manchester United loanee expressed that the grass is sticking to players’ boots and pointed out that the ball is bouncing unevenly.
As they were ready to face the challenge, Betis had the chance to practice at Wroclaw Stadium on Tuesday night. However, via the Daily Mirror, Spanish source ABC reported that Antony expressed his concerns that the pitch would impair his performance and quality on the ball.
Ground staff reportedly began addressing the pitch issues right after Betis held their open training session, suggesting that there were problems needing attention. Since this occurred on Tuesday evening, there is a possibility that the identified issues have been rectified.
Since joining Manchester United on loan in January, Antony has made a significant impression on the pitch, contributing nine goals and five assists over the past few months. His journey to United, marked by a hefty £86 million transfer from Ajax, has not been without its challenges. Recently, he bravely shared his emotional story, breaking down in tears as he recounted difficult times in his life when he struggled with basic needs, including going several days without eating. This candid reflection highlights not only his talent on the field but also the personal hardships he has overcome to reach this point in his career.
As they prepare for the game, Enzo Maresca said, “Convincing the players that the Conference was the best competition in the world for us has probably been the toughest challenge this season. The main reason is that it’s the competition we are involved in. Since I have to convince the players that we cannot afford to lose any points because any team could pose a threat, every game has been difficult. Every European squad we come across deserves our respect.
“I’m not just focused on winning this competition or the trophy because it’s about the club and the fans. Of course, I would be happy if we win, but my main concern is for them. Also, Chelsea can become the first club in Europe to win all the European competitions.”
