Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has expressed frustration that Real Betis were given an additional 48 hours to prepare for the UEFA Conference League final.
Betis moved their last La Liga game from Sunday to Friday, while Chelsea must wait until Sunday for their Premier League finale against Nottingham Forest. Maresca feels this scheduling gives Betis an unfair advantage ahead of their Wednesday clash in Wroclaw.
Chelsea, currently fourth in the Premier League, face a crucial match against Forest to secure Champions League qualification, while Betis, already assured of sixth place, have no competitive pressure in their final game.
“You cannot allow a team 48 hours more than the other team when you play a European final,” Maresca said, calling for UEFA to apply clearer rules on scheduling.
Despite his complaints, UEFA has limited control over domestic league fixture timings. La Liga allowed Betis’ match to be brought forward, unlike the Premier League’s tradition of simultaneous Sunday kick-offs on the final day.
Maresca also shared a personal note about Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini, his former mentor and “professional dad,” revealing they remain close.
On team news, Maresca confirmed goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen will start the final, having played throughout Chelsea’s European campaign, instead of Robert Sanchez.
