Real Betis great Gabino Rodriguez has insisted that the distinction in coaching styles at Real Betis and Manchester United has made the difference for Antony.
In an interview with The Sun, Gabino Rodriguez has insisted that the level of coaching has been the difference between Antony and his upturn in form and fortunes at Real Betis. The former Spanish midfielder has credited Manuel Pellegrini for the Brazilian international’s recent exploits at the Benito Villamarin Stadium.
Rodriguez said, “It is obviously a bit too soon for a full assessment, but this footballer has class, no doubt about it. Technically he is a very gifted player. The initial impression is he’s landed on his feet at Betis. He scored in his first game, I can see hunger in him and the fans are very happy.”
“Personally I have no doubts that Antony will adapt really well to Pellegrini’s system because the manager likes to play attacking football. Betis continuously go down the wings and Antony is the type of player who suits this coach well. Under another one he would struggle in all aspects, and that’s what happened at United. For me, Antony’s problem wasn’t him, but a coaching one.”
“Watching how he has developed in the few matches he’s played so far, I think he’s one for a very distinct kind of coach – and the clearest and closest example is Pellegrini. There are others who take a more defensive approach and focus more on running and marking or covering. They are the ones who tend to have a more direct style and use long balls. Players like Antony completely disappear in those sort of matches.”
Antony has been a player reborn since joining Real Betis on loan from Manchester United last month for the remainder of the 2024/25 season. The 25-year-old blew hot and cold after moving to Manchester United from Ajax in a big-money deal in August 2022.
While the Brazilian international showed flashes of brilliance during his spell with Manchester United, consistency was a considerable issue for him in the last two and a half years. However, things have turned around for the player at Real Betis, as he has amassed two goals and two assists in four La Liga appearances for the Andalusian outfit.
Despite Antony’s turnaround, Manchester United will look to cash in on him in the summer transfer window. So, the player’s form is good news for the Red Devils, considering they can demand a reasonably high price if his game-changing display continue. Meanwhile, recent reports have linked the Brazilian international with high-profile clubs like Bayern Munich.
