‘Anthony has to give us much more’
Anthony Martial has been told that he ‘has to give more’ for Sevilla after the Manchester United loanee was hauled off on his debut.
The Frenchman made his first start in more than four months as Sevilla played out a goalless draw with Osasuna.
The 26-year-old endured a somewhat difficult evening on his return to action and was substituted with 14 minutes left to play, before Ivan Rakitić missed a penalty in added-time of the second half.
Martial will be hoping for a better personal performance in the La Liga’s side’s next outing, although it will take time for the forward to return to match sharpness following a lengthy period away from first-team action.
Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui has called on Martial to do more for the team following his debut for the club.
“Anthony has to give us much more,” Lopetegui said, as quoted by Sevilla’s club website.
“It was his first game and adaptation is not easy, he has played little this year and he has to get into dynamics and gain minutes and confidence.”
Anthony Martial's #LaLigaSantander debut in numbers 🔢#OsasunaSevillaFC pic.twitter.com/7y1aZF3g0K
— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) February 5, 2022
The former Monaco man was recently involved in a public fall-out with United interim manager Ralf Rangnick after the German claimed that the attacker refused to be a substitute against Aston Villa.
Martial denied those allegations on social media and managed to force a loan move to Sevilla until the end of the season – having made just 11 appearances for the Red Devils this campaign.
Sevilla missed the chance to close the gap on league-leaders Real Madrid as they were frustrated by Osasuna on multiple occasions through the match.
Youssef En-Nesyri had a great opportunity to put them in front late on, but he fired straight into the arms of goalkeeper Sergio Herrera.
They had another chance to take the lead in stoppage-time, however, Ivan Rakitic was unable to convert from 12 yards.
Rakitić's penalty is saved.
A result which could be disastrous for Sevilla's title race. pic.twitter.com/oAomXFnbBc
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) February 5, 2022
Sevilla remain three points behind league leaders Real Madrid, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side in action on Sunday against Granada.
Related links:
- Anthony Martial denies accusations of ‘refusing to play’ in blunt Instagram post
- Ralf Rangnick fires back after Anthony Martial’s agent claimed the striker wants to leave
- Jan Bednarek heard saying Martial admitted red card decision wasn’t even a foul
