Chelsea Manager Maresca Criticizes Scheduling Disadvantage Ahead Europe Final

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has strongly criticized the scheduling that gives Real Betis an additional 48 hours to prepare for the UEFA Conference League final, calling it unfair and calling for UEFA to implement rules ensuring equal preparation time before European finals. Betis will play their last La Liga match on Friday, while Chelsea must face Nottingham Forest on Sunday, just three days before the final in Wroclaw, Poland. Maresca highlighted that the Premier League insists all final-round matches occur simultaneously, preventing Chelsea from moving their fixture earlier, and noted UEFA does not control domestic league scheduling. Despite his close relationship with Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini, Maresca emphasized the need for stricter guidelines to prevent such disparities in the future. The frustration echoes previous concerns in European football, such as the Europa League final where Tottenham and Manchester United had more favorable scheduling with Friday matches before their final. Maresca also affirmed his lineup decisions, confirming goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen will start the final, rewarding his consistent participation throughout the competition.