In this video
- Asked what makes Cole Palmer special after his two assists, Maresca said the bad run he had this season will make him a better player. He can decide games with a goal or an assist.
- Asked about a new togetherness, Maresca said Chelsea have started winning games in an ugly way. The best sign tonight was that the two players taken off were the first to celebrate when Chelsea scored.
“…for sure the trophy we won tonight is going to make us better.”
- Maresca said he is very proud of Chelsea's Premier League journey with a very young squad. His outburst after Nottingham Forest was a little exaggerated, he said, but came from the need to be consistent.
- Asked how often he swore at the players at half-time, Maresca did not say. He had half expected that first half, as he thinks the opponents' 48 hours of extra rest made a big difference.
- Asked about staying focused before the Club World Cup, Maresca said Chelsea have 10 days off. For now there is no target there; the only one is to recover energy after a long season.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca opens up after the UEFA Europa Conference League Final victory over Real Betis, offering deep insights into the match and his players’ development.
Maresca credited tactical changes for the second-half surge and praised Cole Palmer’s two assists, highlighting his growth through tough moments this season. He also singled out Nicolas Jackson for his impact off the bench, saying his performance matched the squad’s expectations.
A standout moment came when Maresca noticed unused substitutes Benoît Badiashile and Malang Sarr celebrating enthusiastically — proof of the squad’s unity and winning culture.
The Italian coach emphasized that winning the Conference League is just the start. For him, Chelsea’s ability to grind out results, develop consistency in the Premier League, and transition toward competing in the Champions League is the true story.
Looking ahead to the FIFA Club World Cup, Maresca confirmed the players will rest before aiming to build further momentum on the global stage.



