Four things learned from the Conference League final: Maresca and Palmer have answered their critics

Irish Examiner

2 days ago

Enzo Maresca has answered his critics once and for all
The Chelsea coach has never quite shaken off his critics this season in a campaign that has seen as many lows as highs; but they will surely leave him alone now.
Having dramatically clinched a Champions League place on the final day of the Premier League season he now has European silverware to put in the trophy cabinet at Stamford Bridge – achieved in front of watching co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali.
Even at half-time, with Chelsea trailing 1-0, the social media doubters were shouting loudly, wondering if the Blues manager had chosen the wrong starting line-up, not least his decision to play Malo Gusto, a full-back, in a holding midfield role.
That was certainly not a successful move, with Gusto giving away the ball to hand Real Betis the opening goal.
But Maresca's second-half substitutions, including hooking Gusto at half-time and bringing on club captain Reece James instead, followed by Levi Colwill and Jadon Sancho, changed the game in a remarkable comeback.
It was Sancho who scored a stunning third in a 4-1 victory – after Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas Jackson had turned things around - and suddenly a miserable night became a memorable one as Moises Caicedo finished the job. Maresca can surely now rest easy. He'll be at Stamford Bridge next season – and Chelsea won't be back in the Conference League for a long time.
Cole Palmer has proved some doubters wrong, too
Palmer has had a remarkable season when you look at his overall stats, but a long period without a goal as Chelsea briefly lost their way in the Premier League sowed seeds of doubt for some pundits.
There were concerns at half-time in Poland, too, after an anonymous opening 45 minutes. But then the former Manchester City man reminded us how good he is.
Two stunning assists inside five minutes completely turned the game on its head – and reinstated Palmer as a football genius. That's how quickly football changes.
Chelsea have a very unusual record – which may never be equalled
Chelsea have become the first club to win all four major UEFA club competitions – the Champions League, Europa League, Cup Winners Cup and Conference League – and that's an achievement that may never be matched. Especially given the Cup Winners Cup is no more.
Questions over the stature of the Conference League have been asked all season, especially with Chelsea often playing a second-string team in the competition. But winning it is an achievement. Chelsea have won seven of their eight major European finals – and they now they head to the FIFA Club World Cup.
Isco reminded us that it's not only about youth
It wasn't Real Betis' day in the end, but veteran Isco stood out in Poland at the age of 33, including providing an extremely clever pass to set up Abde's opening goal.
Isco played the number 10 role to perfection, was the best player on the pitch for long periods – and was a joy to watch.
There's a reason for that, of course. This is a player who knows how to win a trophy at the highest level.
This was his ninth European final, having won five Champions League titles with Real between 2013 and 2022 and three European Super Cups. He has finally tasted defeat, but he didn't deserve it.