3 days ago
Chelsea win Conference League, but Maresca wants ‘to move on' to bigger trophies
Enzo Maresca hailed Chelsea's Conference League victory as a crucial building block in the club's journey back to the top after they came from behind to beat Real Betis 4-1 in Wroclaw on Wednesday night.
It was a first trophy under the Todd Boehly-Clearlake era and also Maresca's first silverware since taking charge last summer. But it did not come easy.
Chelsea trailed early to a well-worked Betis opener and looked disjointed in the first half. A poor start, typified by tactical imbalances and a costly mistake from Malo Gusto, allowed Abde Ezzalzouli to give the Spanish side the lead.
Maresca admitted after the match that the heavy schedule and recent emotional exertions – particularly last weekend's Champions League-clinching win over Nottingham Forest – may have contributed to the slow start. However, he praised his team's second-half response.
'We adjusted tactically, but more importantly, mentally,' said Maresca. 'We were much better after the break. It shows the progress we've made.'
Chelsea turned the match around after the interval thanks to a dominant midfield display and the brilliance of Cole Palmer. The 22-year-old delivered two assists – one delicately floated for Enzo Fernandez's equaliser, the other a pinpoint cross for Nicolas Jackson to put the Blues ahead.
'Cole is a top player,' Maresca said. 'He can decide matches with a pass or a goal. His rough patch this season will only help him grow.'
Late goals from Jadon Sancho and Moises Caicedo added gloss to the scoreline, sealing a comprehensive win in a final that started with tension both on and off the pitch.
Beyond the silverware, Maresca highlighted the symbolic importance of the team's spirit. He pointed to the celebrations of Gusto and Benoit Badiashile – both substituted at half-time – as proof of unity in the squad.
'When the players you take off are the first to celebrate, it means something is going right,' he said.
With a Club World Cup campaign ahead, Maresca hopes this win lays the foundation for a winning culture.
'You build mentality by winning,' he added. 'This is a young group, and tonight helps. But we also showed consistency in the league – that matters just as much.'
Asked whether he wants to return to the Conference League, Maresca smiled: 'No. We won it. Now we move on.'
