Ahead of the UEFA Conference League final happening on May 28th where Chelsea will face the Real Betis. Ahead of the final the Blues manager Enzo Maresca has given out some strong words looking at the dates of the finals. With the final set to happen on May 28th give the Real Betis an extra rest of 48 hours or 2 days ahead of the clash. As the Spanish side La Liga clash was shifted to next Friday allowing him extra preparedness for these crucial finals. The Blues have to play their final English Premier League game. On 25th against the Nottingham Forest three days before the finals. With the hopes of finishing that game on a winning note. As the win for the Blues secure their spot in the UEFA Champions League finish. Guarantying a top 5 finish in the Premier League table. So, he has expressed his frustration.
Enzo Maresca deserves praise and respect for achieving his goals in his first season at Chelsea. To get top four is a big achievement for him and he deserves his flowers.
I, and many others have had doubts about him, with reasons to do so. It's not 'wrong' to have concerns.… pic.twitter.com/mAH9PUvkE3
— Simon Phillips (@siphillipssport) May 25, 2025
Maresca emphasis on standard schedule:
Real Betis request to play their final Spanish league match was approved by the La Liga and shifted to next Friday. This match between Valencia was supposed to happen during 24-25th of May but the change was allowed by La Liga. Giving them with a extra amount of rest before the Conference League final. While the English Premier League makes sure that all the final day matches happen at the same. This is done in order to maintain the competitive nature of the game. This points that the Blues have a less number of days for recovery and preparation before the very important European final. Maresca calls this difference as totally unfair. Calling for an standard and same schedule for both the teams. To ensure and maintain that both the teams have equal amount in terms of rest and recovery leading up to the game.
Maresca concerns:
Maresca stated he was unhappy with the current situation, saying, “I’m not satisfied, 100%. When you play a European final, you cannot give another team an extra 48 hours. He questioned the fairness of the scheduling and called governing bodies to pass rules to prevent such inequality in the future. Maresca highlighted the importance of equal preparation time to ensure a level playing field in important competitions. To ensure the competitive spirit of the game.
Impact to the Blues according to Maresca:
Now this already in place match comes as a part of double challenge to the Blues. As they prepare for a both domestic Premier League and the European Conference League final. Adding to that the team is currently facing injuries to players like Wesley Fofana, Nkunku, D Fofana and with forward Nickolas Jackson suspended and Marc Guiu also in doubt for the upcoming game. However, Maresca has confirmed that goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen will start in the final. Due to his good performance from the start of this competition.
Looking Ahead:
His criticism about the dates of the football match that too of the finals of the competition highlights a bigger problem. Where difference of rules in the domestic league can sometimes lead to be very costly. In this case unequal time in preparation time and recovery can play a very big role in the results of the match. So, this calls for a common ground in the schedule of the matches regarding European finals.
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