Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has expressed his dissatisfaction regarding his team’s schedule leading up to the upcoming Conference League final against Real Betis. With crucial Premier League fixtures still to play, Chelsea is set to face Nottingham Forest on Sunday, which could impact their chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
Maresca has raised concerns about the preparation disparity between his squad and Real Betis, who will have an additional two days to gear up for the final as they face Valencia in LaLiga on Friday. During a recent news conference, he emphasized that allowing one team, especially in a European final, this kind of advantage is unfair. “You cannot allow a team 48 hours more time when they are playing a European final,” he stated, calling for changes to how such scheduling conflicts are managed in the future.
In light of the final, Maresca also confirmed that backup goalkeeper Filip Jörgensen will start against Real Betis, having played throughout the Conference League campaign. He remarked, “It will be unfair now if he doesn’t play the final… Filip is going to play because he deserves to play.” This decision illustrates Maresca’s commitment to continuity and fairness, ensuring that players who contribute significantly throughout the tournament are rewarded with the opportunity to compete on the biggest stage.
Overall, Chelsea’s focus remains on the upcoming Premier League match while also preparing for a significant moment in their season. Despite the challenges posed by the schedule, the team’s resilience and depth may prove crucial in the days ahead.