Enzo Maresca Not Happy Over Betis’s Advantage Over Chelsea

Maresca Slams Schedule Disparity Ahead of Conference League Final vs Real Betis

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has expressed frustration over a scheduling decision that gives Conference League final opponents Real Betis extra preparation time ahead of the showdown in Wroclaw, Poland.

La Liga recently approved Real Betis’s request to move their final domestic fixture against Valencia to Friday, granting them two additional days of rest and preparation before the European final on Wednesday, May 28.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are locked into a Premier League-wide regulation that mandates all final day matches, including their clash against Nottingham Forest, kick off simultaneously on Sunday at 16:00 BST — just 72 hours before the final.

Maresca voiced his concerns during a pre-match press conference, calling for fairness in scheduling.

“I’m not entirely satisfied with this decision,” the Italian tactician said. “In a European final, both teams should be given equal preparation time. If Betis can play on Friday, then ideally, we should have had the same opportunity — or they should also play on Sunday like us.”

He questioned whether UEFA, La Liga, or the Premier League should take responsibility for ensuring fairness in such high-stakes matches.

“It’s a matter of competitive integrity. When these decisions are made, the implications for teams preparing for European competitions must be considered,” Maresca added.

On team selection, Maresca confirmed that backup goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen will retain his place in the Conference League final.

“Filip has been part of our journey from the beginning and deserves this chance,” he said. “I’m not ready to reveal the full starting XI, but he will be in goal.”

Injury-wise, the Blues continue to monitor the fitness of Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu, both of whom have resumed light training but are yet to reach match-ready condition.

Chelsea are still pushing for a top-five Premier League finish to secure Champions League qualification, but they also have a fallback route: winning the Conference League would guarantee them a spot in next season’s Europa League group stage.