UEFA Conference League final glory would make it 'very good season' for Enzo Maresca and Chelsea - 'We want to win at any cost'
Published 27/05/2025 at 20:37 GMT+1
Chelsea have the chance to end their season with silverware as they take on Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League final on Wednesday night - live on TNT Sports and discovery+. Blues Manager Enzo Maresca said a victory in Wroclaw would mean Chelsea's season has been a "very good" one, after qualification for the UEFA Champions League was secured via their Premier League finish last weekend.
Conference League has helped Chelsea build ‘winning mentality’ - Maresca
Video credit: TNT Sports
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca highlighted the importance of winning the UEFA Conference League ahead of his side's final against Real Betis on Wednesday night - live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
The Blues qualified for next season's UEFA Champions League with victory over Nottingham Forest on the final day of the Premier League.
And Maresca claimed the Conference League title would mean Chelsea have had a "very good season".
"The mood is a good one," he said in his pre-match press conference. "It's a consequence from the last game but the final is completely different. It's one game and anything can happen.
"I said a few times, for me, it was already a good season for different reasons and it can become a very good season if we finish top four or top five and win the final. The first target is there and hopefully we can achieve the second one.
"The most complicated thing about the Conference League has been to convince the players that for us it is the best competition in the world. The reason why is because it's the competition we are in.
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‘Quite clear' how Betis will play says Maresca ahead of meeting with friend Pellegrini
Video credit: TNT Sports
"We need to respect every team in Europe and every team we face. I am not focused on winning this competition because my name [goes down in history] but I will be happy for the club and for the fans.
"The Conference League is important and the reason why is it is the competition we are in. We are in the Conference [League], so for us it is the most important competition and we are going to try and win that.
"We are looking to build a winning mentality and the way to do that is to win games. We have won many games this season but it is not enough. Tomorrow we need to show the desire to win the game.
"The message in the last 48 hours: we've done something important but if we want to confirm we are becoming an important club, we need to show desire to win the game and the title.
"Tomorrow is a different game, a final, and a game we want to win at any cost."
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Conference League trophy would be ‘big for the club’ - Palmer
Video credit: TNT Sports
James hoping to bring back 'winning trophies effect'
Chelsea captain Reece James echoed Maresca's sentiments, reiterating the importance of silverware.
"It would mean a lot to myself and the club [to win the trophy]," he said. "For a lot of the players, it would be their first trophy.
"A lot of the young players have played such a key part in this competition so far this season, so it would mean a lot.
"It's been a few years since we've got our hands on silverware. I would like to think this would bring the winning trophies effect back to the club, and help the players who haven't won so much in their careers so far."
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Defender Levi Colwill added: "For the Chelsea fans, we think it would be huge to win every trophy possible, and we want to do it for them.
"The message from the manager was clear from day one – you can't neglect any competition you're in.
"It's a huge competition. Look at the final – we're up against a big team with a huge history."
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