Antony's Struggles Return as Real Betis Manager Issues Worrying Verdict
Antony's career resurgence at Real Betis has hit a significant roadblock, with manager Manuel Pellegrini delivering a concerning assessment of the Brazilian winger's recent performances. The former Manchester United player, who initially flourished after leaving Old Trafford, is now enduring another difficult spell as the World Cup approaches.
Form Nosedive in Spain
Antony's promising start at Real Betis has dramatically reversed in recent weeks. The 26-year-old has now gone four consecutive matches without contributing a goal or an assist, with his latest underwhelming display coming in a goalless draw against Espanyol. His performance was so lackluster that Pellegrini substituted him just after the hour mark, highlighting his ongoing struggles on the pitch.
This downturn represents a worrying echo of Antony's disappointing spell at Manchester United, where he became one of the club's most expensive signings at £81 million but delivered minimal return on that substantial investment. His move to Betis initially seemed to reignite his career, with the Spanish club making his loan permanent after he immediately found scoring form.
Pellegrini's Concerning Diagnosis
Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini has openly discussed the multiple factors contributing to Antony's current difficulties. "What's wrong with him? A bit of everything," Pellegrini admitted. "First, it's a physical issue, because he doesn't train every day. Second, he has pubalgia and if we make him play 90 minutes, it's very difficult for him to recover for the next game."
The Chilean manager elaborated further on the medical challenges: "Third, that same pubalgia still gives him some discomfort, but one always expects him to do decisive things as he does. We have to continue taking him with great care. I don't think he is in a position to complete 90 minutes, as I say, because that limits him a lot for the next game."
Despite these physical limitations, Antony has managed respectable statistics this season with 12 goals and 9 assists across 37 appearances. However, the majority of these contributions came earlier in the campaign, with his recent output dropping significantly at a crucial juncture.
World Cup Selection Concerns
The timing of Antony's form slump could not be worse with the World Cup just months away. Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti will be selecting his 26-man squad on May 18, and Antony's place is now in serious jeopardy. The winger last featured for Brazil in May 2025 as an unused substitute against Ecuador and Paraguay, and he faces intense competition for selection.
Among those vying for attacking positions in the Brazilian squad are rising star Endrick and Chelsea's Estevao Willian, both presenting formidable challenges to Antony's international aspirations. Earlier this season, Antony expressed his World Cup ambitions, stating: "To play at next year's World Cup would be a dream come true and one of the biggest goals of my career. I know that if I want to earn my place back in the Brazil set-up, I need to be at my very best here at Betis."
With Brazil considered one of the tournament favorites, Ancelotti will be scrutinizing every candidate's form and fitness closely. Antony's current physical issues and performance dip create significant obstacles to his selection, potentially derailing what he described as a career-defining ambition.
The coming weeks will be critical for Antony as he attempts to regain his form and fitness ahead of Brazil's squad announcement. His ability to overcome these challenges will determine not only his club future at Real Betis but also his chances of representing his country on football's biggest stage.
