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Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has hit out at Real Betis' Antony, suggesting that the Manchester United loanee disappointed in the UEFA Conference League final.
Earlier this Wednesday (May 28), the Blues registered a 4-1 win over Real Betis in the Conference League final in Wroclaw, Poland. Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho, and Moises Caicedo all netted one goal each in the second half for the west London outfit.
Antony, on the other hand, produced a below-par display playing as the right winger in Real Betis' 4-2-3-1 setup on Wednesday. The 25-year-old completed 17 of his 21 passes, recorded three shots, and won three of his five total duels against Chelsea.
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After the Conference League final, Leboeuf said on ESPN FC (h/t Metro):
"It wasn't his night. I don't really follow La Liga except the big games but I thought Antony had a better change in his football. Today, I saw the ghost that was playing for Manchester United. The only thing he did was pick fights with Enzo Fernandez. I was very disappointed with his game."
Claiming Antony should not return to Manchester United, he concluded:
"I was expecting something more creative and dangerous. Unfortunately for Betis, we didn't see the Antony who has been good during his loan. That guy has to avoid English football, that's it. Don't play against English teams and don't play for any football club in England because it doesn't suit him."
During his short-term temporary spell, Antony registered nine goals and five assists in 26 appearances across all competitions for Real Betis.
The left-footed Brazilian winger has scored just 12 goals and laid out five assists in 96 total appearances for his parent club Manchester United.
Chelsea boss hails 23-year-old star
After winning his first trophy as Chelsea head coach, Enzo Maresca was asked to share his honest thoughts on Cole Palmer's display in Wroclaw. The Italian replied (h/t football.london):
"We all know that he's a top player. We need to help him to be in the right position in the right moment. And then he's a quality player. He can decide with a goal or with an assist, and as you said, the two assists have been both very nice."
Palmer, who assisted Chelsea's first two goals on Wednesday, produced an excellent outing against Real Betis. He completed 32 of his 38 passes, created two chances, registered two shots, and won five of his 10 overall duels in the Conference League final.
The English attacking midfielder found the back of the opposition net 15 times and laid out 12 assists in 46 total matches for Chelsea this term.
