Enzo Maresca’s hopes of winning silverware in his first season at Chelsea remain alive after his side confirmed their spot in the final of the UEFA Conference League with a 1-0 victory over Djurgarden in the semi-finals.
Having comfortably won the first leg 4-1 in Sweden last week, the Blues were very much certain to make it through to the final before a ball had even been kicked at Stamford Bridge as key players such as Moises Caicedo and Cole Palmer were rested ahead of the Premier League run-in.
It is no surprise that the Blues have made it to the Conference League final considering Maresca’s side were pre-tournament favourites and will await La Liga outfit Real Betis in Wroclaw at the end of May – hoping to end their three-year wait for a trophy.
Following the Djurgarden match, the Chelsea boss commented on his side reaching the final, a reunion with Manuel Pellegrini and Chelsea’s academy players. Here is what he had to say:
-
On reaching the final and a chance to make history
Throughout the 21st century, Chelsea have enjoyed plenty of success in Europe having won both the Champions League and Europa League twice as well as enjoying plenty of memorable European nights.
However, playing in the Conference League has been a different experience for the Bluesfacing off against lesser known teams including FC Noah, Astana and Shamrock Rovers whilst also taking on side’s that have had history of playing Champions League football in the past.
Maresca is certainly pleased that his side have made it all the way to the final and understands the importance of winning the trophy from both a team and club perspective.
“For me personally, it is very important especially because we can give the club and the fans the chance to be the first club in Europe to win all three competitions. For me, the Conference League is like a starting point to build a winning mentality and then to try to win more titles hopefully in the future.”
Though, before the West Londoners head to Poland at the end of May, the Italian’s main focus is Chelsea’s final three Premier League matches as he aims to secure a top five finish, thus steering the West Londoners back into the Champions League.
“We were trying to work hard everyday to reach the final. Now the next step is to try and win this competition, we have 20 days to prepare for the final. Before that, we have three more finals in the Premier League and hopefully we can finish in the right way,” said Maresca.
Chelsea playing in the Conference League final will be extra special for Maresca as he faces off against his good friend Manuel Pellegrini. The Italian was part of Pellegrini’s coaching staff during his time at West Ham and, during his playing career, played under him at Malaga.
With the West Londoners taking on Real Betis in the final, the match will have added spice with Maresca renewing rivalries with the Spanish outfit having spent four years at Betis’ arch rivals Sevilla as a player. The Italian is fully understanding he is not very well liked in that part of Seville.
“I’m happy to face [Real] Betis especially because of Manuel Pellegrini. I played for four years at Sevilla which is a big derby against Betis. We also won a derby 1-0 and I scored a goal so they don’t like me. In terms of playing this game against Manuel Pellegrini, he’s like my professional dad.”
Maresca is certainly relishing playing against his “professional dad” in Pellegrini, with the Chilean being someone the Chelsea boss clearly looks up to, stating:
“I learnt a lot [from him] especially how to manage players, how to manage the squad. I was with him for two years as his assistant coach, so I know exactly how he thinks about the players but the most important thing is that he’s honest and personally I try to learn a lot about his way.”
-
Reggie Walsh performance and giving youth players the chance to shine
As for the game against Djurgarden, there was very little to play for mostly down to Chelsea’s comfortable first leg lead. This gave Maresca the opportunity to hand a first-ever start to 16-year-old Reggie Walsh, who made his debut off the bench in Sweden the week before.
Walsh certainly made a good impression on both Maresca and the supporters with an outstanding display in midfield, showing plenty of determination. The Italian was full of praise for the youngster.
“I like Reggie [Walsh] because he’s the right kind of player in my system and the way I want to play it’s perfect. You struggle to find [good] players so young, you see how good he is on the ball and for sure he is a good player.”
Throughout the tournament, Maresca has utilised the Conference League as an opportunity to give game time to academy prospects in order for them to show what they can offer to the first team.
This has proven to have a positive impact on both Josh Acheampong and Tyrique George, both whom have featured in the Premier League. George in particular has been given plenty of minutes from Maresca and has managed to pick up two goals.
We finished [the game] with Reggie, Shim [Mheuka]Genesis [Antwi]Josh [Acheampong] and Tyrique [George]. It’s the second team so it’s fantastic for the academy and for the fans because the future is very important and I have a good feeling.”
