Betis Winger Antony Calls for Change Following Europa League Defeat
Real Betis winger Antony has called for intense self-criticism among his team-mates after their 1-0 loss to ten-man Panathinaikos in the Europa League round of 16 first leg. Despite the setback, Antony remains hopeful for the return fixture and trusts in his team's ability to bounce back.
Real Betis winger Antony has demanded a period of intense self-criticism following the team's 1-0 defeat to ten-man Panathinaikos in the first leg of their round of 16 Europa League tie. After seeing a late penalty sink the La Liga side, the Manchester United flop sent a strong "we have to change" message to his team-mates. Speaking in the mixed zone at the Olympic Stadium in Greece, Antony expressed his frustration following the Europa League round of 16 first-leg defeat, but remained hopeful for the return fixture: "With a feeling of being a bit sad and frustrated, but we have the second leg at home, playing with our people, with our fans. So we keep going and I trust 100% in my team." The defeat was particularly galling as Betis played the final thirty minutes with a numerical advantage following the sending off of Panathinaikos winger Anass Zaroury. Despite the extra man, the Spanish side failed to break their opponents down, and Vicente Taborda made them pay when scoring an 88th-minute penalty for the hosts. Antony fumed: "I think we have to have a little more patience... we have to change, as I said, also engage in self-criticism because we have to change things."Antony, who joined Betis on a permanent transfer from Man Utd last summer, was quick to praise the fans and urged them to fiercely support the team again at La Cartuja. "The Betis fans are always with us, wherever we play they are always there," he said. "We have to turn the page quickly... we are going to fight to qualify at home." Addressing the team's bad run since the Seville derby, he admitted it has been "tough" but remained defiant: "We have a lot of things to improve, we're going to improve, we're going to turn things around quickly. Now we have two home games with our fans. We're going to fight."Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingThe Brazilian also admitted he is battling fitness issues to recapture his best form. "I am not at 100%, but I am doing treatment and hopefully day by day I will be better," he explained. Betis will be back in La Liga action this weekend at home to Celta Vigo before preparations for the return leg against Panathinaikos begin.
The Call for Change
Following the disappointing defeat to Panathinaikos, Antony expressed his frustration and emphasized the need for a change within the team. Despite playing with a numerical advantage for the final thirty minutes, Betis failed to capitalize, leading Antony to stress the importance of self-criticism and patience.
Support from the Fans
Antony acknowledged the unwavering support of the Betis fans and called on them to continue backing the team strongly in the upcoming matches. He highlighted the fans' presence as a source of motivation for the players and a crucial factor in their quest to secure qualification.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenging period following the Seville derby, Antony remains determined to improve and turn the team's fortunes around swiftly. He highlighted upcoming home games as opportunities to make amends and vowed to fight for better results alongside the fans.
Fitness Concerns
Antony revealed that he is currently not at his peak fitness level but is undergoing treatment to regain top form. The Brazilian winger's determination to recover quickly showcases his commitment to contributing positively to the team's performances.
Next Steps
With a La Liga fixture against Celta Vigo on the horizon before the return leg against Panathinaikos, Betis will have a chance to regroup and refocus. Antony's message of unity, introspection, and resilience sets the tone for the team's approach moving forward.
