Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is not happy over the decision that has allowed Real Betis an additional two days of preparation ahead of the upcoming Conference League final.
La Liga has approved Betis’s request to move their final league match against Valencia from Sunday to Friday evening (20:00 BST), giving them extra time to prepare.
In contrast, Chelsea will face Nottingham Forest on Sunday, just three days before the final in Wroclaw, Poland, scheduled for Wednesday, May 28.
The requirement for all final round Premier League matches to kick off simultaneously at 16:00 BST is designed to ensure fairness among teams competing for European spots.
Maresca stated, “I’m not entirely satisfied with this decision; it’s important to ensure fairness for both teams in a European final. Ideally, either we should both play on the same day, or they should have to play on Sunday like us.
“This situation raises questions about the implications of scheduling from La Liga, the Premier League, or UEFA. We must maintain a level playing field in such important matches.”
In terms of squad decisions, Maresca confirmed that backup goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen will start in the final, highlighting the importance of consistency throughout the competition.
“Filip has been with us throughout the tournament and deserves to play in the final,” he remarked. “While I can’t confirm the other ten starters yet, Filip will be on the pitch.”
As for injuries, Maresca shared that Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu are gradually returning to training but are not yet at full fitness.
Chelsea’s objective remains to finish in the top five of the Premier League for a Champions League spot, with opportunities also available through a sixth-place finish or a Conference League victory, which would secure participation in the Europa League group stage next season.
The post Conference League Final: Enzo Maresca Not Happy Over Betis’s Advantage Over Chelsea appeared first on Naija News.