Conference League can be launching pad for Chelsea, says Maresca

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is hoping that winning the UEFA Conference League can act as a starting point to a new era of success for the Blues.

Maresca's men roared back from a 1-0 half-time deficit to thrash Real Betis 4-1 on Wednesday to collect their first trophy since an American consortium bought the club from former owner Roman Abramovich in 2022.

Recommended For You

Dh50 flights to Salalah? How Wizz Air helped UAE residents travel for 'price of a mandi'

UAE launches largest water supply project from Egypt to southern Gaza

Oman: Man arrested for murder; legal proceedings underway

Israel says 'deeply regrets' Gaza church strike, calls deaths 'a tragedy'

Indonesia hails 'new era' with US after Trump trade pact

 

Victory in Wroclaw rounded off a fine first season in charge for Maresca after also securing a return to the Champions League next season by finishing fourth in the Premier League.

Chelsea captain Reece James conceded anything other than winning Europe's third tier competition would have been perceived as a failure given the English giants' financial advantage.

In the three years since the consortium, fronted by LA Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly and private equity group Clearlake Capital, took over at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have splashed out over £1 billion ($1.4 billion) on transfer fees on promising young talent.

"The club invest lots of money in the last three or four years, so they are also waiting for results," Maresca told TNT Sports.

"Hopefully this can be a starting point and from tonight, from this season, (we are) building something important."

James came off the bench to help inspire a second-half comeback as goals from Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho and Moises Caicedo broke Betis hearts.

"Coming into this competition, it was something we had to win," James told TNT Sports. "Next season we go again in the Champions League."

Victory also meant Chelsea became the first club to win all four major UEFA competitions after the Champions League, Europa League and disbanded Cup Winners' Cup.

"To be the only team in history (to win all four), it is a great feeling," said Cole Palmer, who helped turn the game with two assists for Chelsea's first two goals.

Meanwhile, Chelsea fans toasted Wednesday’s Conference League triumph with varying views on the trophy’s prestige, but all were united on at least one front, that the future looks bright for the London club.

Chelsea are now the first English side to win all four major European trophies, having twice claimed both the UEFA Champions League and the Europa League as well as the now defunct Cup Winners' Cup. They have also won two UEFA Super Cups.

"A trophy always feels good," said lifelong Chelsea fan Martin as he was celebrating in the old town of the Polish city.

"Of course it is a real trophy. We haven't had the best season, but we completed the set, we won everything in Europe there is to win," said another supporter, James.

Still, there were murmurs among the fans about the tournament’s lack of prestige and competitiveness.

"During the whole tournament, I did not feel like it was a competition. It was obvious Chelsea was going to win," Chelsea fan Marip said.

"Hopefully next year we will get some stronger teams to play against."

"Not really a big thing. We usually win a major trophy," said a 10-year-old Chelsea supporter from London.

Though there were differing views, all agreed that the club is on an upward trajectory.

"I hope we get more interesting players in the transfer window, but we are in good shape for what comes," Marip added.

"We have come in the top four in the Premier League and are ready for Champions League. It's all good," James said.