Antony ‘raises major concern’ just hours before starring in Europa Conference League final for Real Betis against Chelsea

Real Betis star Antony has reportedly complained about the state of the pitch ahead of the Europa League Conference final against Chelsea.

The loanee from Manchester United says the grass is sticking to players’ boots and gestured to suggest the ball is bouncing unevenly. 

Betis were allowed to train at the Wroclaw Stadium on Tuesday evening as they prepare to try and slay a giant. 

However, Antony expressed fears that the pitch would slow him down and affect his quality on the ball, according to Spanish outlet ABC, via the Daily Mirror. 

Ground staff are also said to have started working on the pitch soon after Betis’ open training session in an indication that there were issues to fix.

Given that this was on Tuesday evening, there is every chance that there has been sufficient time to amend the highlighted issues. 

The Real Betis star reportedly says the pitch slows him down and affects his quality

There are no reports of Chelsea players questioning the quality of the turf in Wroclaw 

Grounds staff got to work on the pitch after Betis’ session and were still at it on Wednesday

Chelsea trained later on Tuesday but there have been no reports of dissatisfaction with the pitch from their camp. 

Wroclaw is forecast to have rain until late tonight and there is also a moderate thunderstorm warning in effect. 

Antony has been in dazzling form since joining on loan in January, scoring nine goals and adding five assists in an exhilarating few months.

Breaking down in tears, he recently admitted that he could go days without eating in his bleakest times at United after making his £86million switch from Ajax. 

Meanwhile, going into the clash, Enzo Maresca has said: ‘Probably the most complicated thing this season about the Conference has been to convince the players that for us it was the best competition in the world. 

‘And the reason why was because it was the competition that we were in. So every game has been difficult, especially because I needed to convince the players that we were able to drop nothing because you can lose points against any team. And we need to respect any team in Europe and any team that we face.

‘And then I’m not focused about winning this competition or winning this trophy because my name, for sure I’m happy if we win, but I’m especially happy for the club, for the fans. 

‘And as you said, also because Chelsea can become the first club in Europe to win all the European competitions.’