Conference League glory would prove Chelsea are back: Maresca - World
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca claims winning the UEFA Conference League would prove that his side must be taken seriously as trophy contenders
The Blues haven't won a major trophy since the 2021 Champions League, when Thomas Tuchel was in charge at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea's last domestic trophy was the 2018 FA Cup and they haven't won the Premier League since 2017.
The west London club are still waiting to win their first silverware since Todd Boehly's consortium took over from Roman Abramovich in 2022.
Thursday's Conference semi-final second leg against Swedish side Djurgarden at Stamford Bridge offers a chance to move a step closer to a trophy.
Maresca's side hold a 4-1 lead over the Swedish team from the first leg.
Should they reach the final on May 28 they would be strong favourites to defeat either Real Betis or Fiorentina and become the first club to win all three of UEFA's current competitions.
"Winning the Conference League trophy this season is a statement that you can say Chelsea is back," Maresca told reporters on Wednesday.
"If Real Madrid or different clubs don't play in the Conference, it's because they don't deserve to play in the Conference. If we play in it, it's because it's where we are. We need to start from there.
"If you're in the Conference, that is the only trophy you can win. We are going to try our best on Thursday. It's a good starting point for a winning mentality."
Maresca has come under fire from fans in his first season since arriving from Leicester.
The Italian has been criticised for his cautious tactics but he has fifth-placed Chelsea on course to qualify for the Champions League via a top-five finish in the Premier League.
Maresca has previously said his young squad need to "live experiences" in order to mature and become capable of challenging for major honours.
Last season's League Cup final defeat to a depleted Liverpool side at Wembley was the club's first showpiece since Boehly and Clearlake Capital's £1 billion recruitment drive began.
That painful loss came with Mauricio Pochettino in charge.
Maresca has had a much easier ride in the Conference League, in which Chelsea have cruised to the semi-finals by thrashing teams from Armenia, the Republic of Ireland and Kazakhstan among other underwhelming opponents.
"It's important because it shapes you," Maresca said.
"It's nice to win trophies because you learn how to win. Chelsea is a big club with many important trophies in the past, but we need to learn how to win with this squad.
"I try to convince the players that day by day you have to build a winning mentality."
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Follow us on:
Facebook
Instagram
Whatsapp
Short link:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Egypt Today
4 hours ago
- Egypt Today
New coach Gattuso vows to restore enthusiasm to battered Italy
New Italy men's national team coach Gennaro Gattuso during the press conference REUTERS/Remo Casilli (Reuters) - Italy's new coach Gennaro Gattuso on Thursday pledged to restore enthusiasm and create "a family" at the battered national team, aiming to secure qualification for the next World Cup after the Azzurri missed out twice in a row. Gattuso replaces Luciano Spalletti, who was sacked this month following a 3-0 defeat by Norway in a World Cup qualifier. He officially departed after overseeing his final match, a 2-0 victory against Moldova. "It's a dream come true, and I certainly hope to be up to the task. I know the job won't be easy, but nothing in life is easy," said Gattuso, who recently left Croatian club Hajduk Split after a third-placed finish in the country's top flight. Nicknamed 'Ringhio' (Growler) for his tenacious attitude on the pitch, the 47-year-old earned 73 caps for the Italian national team and was a key member of the 2006 World Cup-winning squad. Fans hope his strong character can help with the task of taking the four-time world champions to next year's World Cup, which will be played in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Italy, third in World Cup qualifying Group I, will host Estonia on September 5 before taking on Israel three days later. "My goal is that whoever comes to the training ground comes with great enthusiasm and to create a family," said Gattuso, who according to a source at the Italian soccer federation (FIGC) was given a one-year contract. Gattuso spent the bulk of his playing career at AC Milan, where he won two Champions League and two Serie A titles, before returning to coach the club from 2017 to 2019. As a manager he won the Coppa Italia with Napoli in 2020. "The primary aim is to create a sense of belonging" to the Azzurri team, Gattuso told reporters during his presentation to the press at a luxury hotel in central Rome. The new coach said he believed players felt the pressure of having missed out on qualification for two World Cups in a row and that was weighing on the team's performance. "We must be good at reacting, only those who react and give it all can get out of this situation," he said.
CAF
a day ago
- CAF
John Obi-Mikel – "FIFA Club World Cup to show what Africa can achieve"
Former Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel has applauded the expansion of the FIFA Club World Cup, highlighting the tournament's potential to reach new audiences and more representation for African football clubs. The 2013 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations winner with the Super Eagles praised the direction football's global body is taking with the new 32-team format, which is set to make the competition more inclusive and far-reaching. The former Chelsea midfielder, who enjoyed a decorated career at club and international level, believes the revamped tournament will offer fans around the world a new experience. 'It's going to be more games to watch, more games on TV, more countries and clubs getting an opportunity they've never had before.' 'For clubs from Africa to experience this tournament — to live it — will be something special. It will show where we are, what we can achieve, and the standards we can reach. I hope African teams are ready because it won't be easy, but we always find a way. We always compete', said a confident Mikel. African teams at the FIFA Club World Cup have so far put up strong performances. Al Ahly played out to a goalless draw against a Lionel Messi led Inter Miami FC, while former African champions and South African champions, Mamelodi Sundowns emerged victorious over Ulsan on Tuesday. Esperance will be looking to bounce back from an unfortunate defeat to Brazil's Flamengo.
Egypt Today
a day ago
- Egypt Today
River Plate see off Urawa to make winning start at Club World Cup
"Today we were very effective and that's why we won. We knew we had to be intense too and we took our chances." Urawa went close to equalising before the break, with Marius Hoibraten having a goal ruled out for offside and Takuro Kaneko drawing a sharp save from goalkeeper Franco Armani. However, Driussi doubled the lead three minutes into the second half, capitalising on a poor header back from Hoibraten to head the ball over the advancing goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa and into an empty net. Striker Driussi was forced off soon after, having picked up an injury in the build-up, and Urawa pulled one back in the 58th minute through Yusuke Matsuo, who calmly converted a penalty following a foul by Acuna. While Urawa pushed hard for an equaliser, substitute Meza delivered the decisive blow in the 73rd minute, with yet another header from Acuna's corner, his second assist of the match. "I'm happy with the first game. There was a lot of nerves, it was important to win," River coach Marcelo Gallardo said. "They are a physical, fast and dynamic team, we knew it was going to be like that. The goals gave us peace of mind... we have room for improvement for what's to come." River will face Mexico's Monterrey on Saturday, while Urawa take on Champions League runners-up Inter Milan in Group E.
