Jose Mourinho is impressed with Chelsea’s victory in the UEFA Conference League, but he has insisted that the club have greater aspirations. Chelsea’s 3–1 win over Real Betis in the final gave them their first trophy since manager Enzo Maresca took over. It also saw them become the first club to lift all three major UEFA trophies.
Looking at the achievement, Mourinho said on Sky Sports:
“I think Chelsea wants to win Champions Leagues not Conference Leagues, but it’s a trophy. And to be the first club to get all three is amazing.”
Chelsea’s past European achievements include Champions League titles in 2011–12 and 2020–21, and Europa League titles in 2012–13 and 2018–19. Having won the Conference League as well, they’ve now completed all of UEFA’s fundamental club competitions.
Against Real Betis, the Blues mounted a comeback, with Cole Palmer having two assists as he led the way.
Enzo Maresca Looks to Future Greatness After Conference League Triumph
Enzo Maresca was beaming with pride following Chelsea’s thrashing of Real Betis during the UEFA Conference League final. Despite having a rollercoaster first half, Maresca commented on the tactical changes that resulted in a dominating second half. He has also seen the trophy as a starting point for the club’s comeback.
“Hopefully, it can be a starting point to build a winner mentality. You need to win games, you need to win competitions. The trophy is going to make us better… We had 48 hours less than them. They played Friday for nothing. We played Sunday for a big, big target.”
The manager also praised individual displays, including Cole Palmer’s two assists and Jadon Sancho’s goal. On Sancho’s future, Maresca said that arrangements would be made to speak to the club about it and the player’s contribution throughout the season.
The manager now wants his club focused on recuperation and preparation for the challenges that lie ahead, including the Club World Cup:
“Now we have 10 days off. Ten days where we need to recover energy. And then we’re going to start the Club World Cup.”