Chelsea are just 90 minutes away from bringing the curtain down on the 2024/25 campaign for good, with them likely very pleased with their efforts so far.
They have already achieved qualification for next season’s Champions League football, guaranteeing themselves a serious payday in the process.
Now though, Enzo Maresca’s focus will have to quickly turn to European football and the task of winning the Conference League in their first ever season playing in it.
The Blues are largely seen as the favourites to win in Poland, after dominating throughout the competition so far. The likes of Tyrique George and Josh Acheampong have become regular first team players as a result.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Real Betis manager fires Chelsea warning before Conference League final
However, Maresca will be facing a familiar foe in former colleague Manuel Pellegrini. The Betis boss thinks he’s worked out his Chelsea counterpart already.
After being asked whether he believes Chelsea are the favourites to win the competition, he told All Football that he believes that the money the club have spent does not automatically justify that position.
He said: “It would be very easy for me to say that Chelsea are the favourites because they have more money than us, but I don’t agree. Both teams have exactly the same chances of winning.
“We don’t think they’re Goliaths. We’re going to try to win from the first minute. After the 90th, we’ll see who’s capable of doing it.”
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
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Chelsea to make changes for Conference League final
Despite the excellent performance from the Blues in their final Premier League game of the season, it is expected Maresca will be making changes to his side for the final.
The boss has already confirmed Filip Jorgensen will start in goal. The Dane has featured in most games in this competition so far.
The Chelsea Chronicle’s predicted XI for the final features a number of changes, including the return of Nicolas Jackson to the starting side after his Premier League suspension.
One player who certainly won’t be in action is Romeo Lavia. The young midfielder’s season has come to an end as he was not included in the squad for the Conference League at any point of this campaign.