Real Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini reveals key area Antony should improve after “very positive” debut

Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini has revealed a key area that Manchester United loanee Antony should improve in after a “very positive” debut.

Manchester United confirmed last week that Antony has joined Real Betis on loan, as he was unlikely to receive much game time under Ruben Amorim.

The 24-year-old made only a few appearances since the Portuguese manager’s arrival, but it quickly became evident that he wouldn’t be a regular in the squad.

With the summer transfer window approaching, United hopes the loan spell will help boost Antony’s market value, and Betis has given him the opportunity to prove himself.

The Brazilian has made an impressive start, earning the Man of the Match on his debut against Athletic Club on Sunday evening.

Betis took the lead against Athletic Club after 15 minutes when Antony cut inside and unleashed a trademark curling shot. Unai Simon could only parry it into Isco’s path, allowing him to slot in the opener with ease.

Pellegrini offers key advice for Antony

Antony was substituted after 72 minutes in the 2-2 draw and Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini believes that it was a good start from the loanee.

However, the former Manchester City boss suggested that Antony, who was well-known for his skills at United and Ajax, should be looking to simplify his game in order to improve.

“Well, I think it was a very positive debut. He’s a quality player,” Pellegrini said after the weekend’s game.

“I was talking to him just before the game. I think a good player doesn’t have to be constantly showing off his skills with the ball. He has to play a good game, make few mistakes and do two or three important things: a goal, a good pass, a good cross.

“I think he was very involved today, especially with the second goal. He had just arrived a couple of days before and I think he’s going to contribute a lot to us.”

Antony should listen to Pellegrini’s advice

It is solid advice from Pellegrini – Antony’s problems at United seemed partly confidence related and one of the best ways to gain confidence is through doing the simple things right.

The Brazilian almost immediately put a target on his back when he arrived to England when doing some questionable showboating.

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Of course, you don’t want to take the expressive nature out of players – especially those from Brazil – but they need to be done in the right moments.

Antony’s next game for the Spanish club comes against Celta Vigo in La Liga on 8 February and he will hope to build on a positive debut.

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