Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has expressed optimism ahead of his side’s UEFA Conference League final showdown against Real Betis on Wednesday.
The Blues face the Spanish side at the Wroclaw stadium in Poland on Wednesday night, with both sides looking to win the competition for the first time.
What Maresca said
“The mood is a good one,” he told reporters. “It’s a consequence from the last game, but we know the final is completely different. It’s one game and anything can happen.
For me, it was already a good season for different reasons, and it can become a very good season if we finish top four or top five, and win the final. The first target is there and, hopefully, we can achieve the second one”, Maresca added.
“We are in the Conference [League] so, for us, it is the most important competition, and we are going to try and win that. We are looking to build a winning mentality and the way to do that is to win games. We have won many games this season, but it is not enough. Tomorrow, we need to show the desire to win the game.”
Buildup to the final
After finishing first with a flawless record in the 36-team group-stage, Chelsea have defeated Copenhagen, Legia Warsaw and Djurgarden, on their way to the final.
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Real Betis on the other hand finished 15th in the group phase, facing an extra knockout game for finishing outside the top eight.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side have however eliminated Gent, Vitoria Guimaraes, Jagiellonia and Fiorentina, on their path to the final against the Blues.
Who will win the final?
Chelsea are looking to become the first team to win all five major UEFA men’s competition with victory against their Spanish opposition on Wednesday.
The Blues strong squad and European pedigree might give them an edge over Real Betis, who are looking to win their first-ever European title.
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