Chelsea Claims Conference League Title Amid Mixed Emotions in Wroclaw, Poland (2025)
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca attributed his team’s sluggish performance at the beginning of the UEFA Conference League final to the mental toll from clinching Champions League qualification just days prior. He expressed hope that achieving both milestones could signal a new era for the club at Stamford Bridge.
In a decisive match held in Wroclaw, Chelsea initially struggled, but a halftime substitution bringing Reece James onto the pitch revitalized the team, leading them to a 4-1 triumph over Real Betis. The coach had anticipated this dip in energy, noting that the team’s intense focus on securing a vital Premier League victory against Nottingham Forest had left them fatigued.
"In the first half, we did not approach the game correctly," Maresca remarked on TNT Sports. "After the win against Nottingham, the celebration may have overshadowed our focus."
Reflecting on the team’s performance, he stated, "We’ve waited all season for moments like this. Despite our early challenges, the second half was much improved."
Chelsea’s resounding victory marked a historic achievement, as they became the first club to secure all of Europe’s top continental trophies. This victory also represented their first silverware since winning the Club World Cup in February 2022.
Maresca’s optimism is further bolstered by Chelsea’s return to the Champions League after a two-year hiatus. He expressed pride in the team’s accomplishments and acknowledged the patience of the fans and management, who have invested significantly in new talent.
"We’re hopeful this win will be a springboard for future successes," he added. "Our goal for the next season is clear: we will strive for even greater achievements."
Reece James, a pivotal player who came off the bench, expressed his disappointment at not starting the final. "It’s devastating to find out you’re not starting a final," he admitted, but praised the team’s response in the second half.
Maresca defended the decision to start James on the bench, citing the need to manage his fitness after a challenging few years with injuries. "I always want to start Reece, but protecting him is paramount," he noted.
As the 2025/26 season approaches, further excitement builds with Sky Sports set to enhance its Premier League coverage, offering at least 215 live matches—a record for the network.
Chelsea’s win in Wroclaw could be a defining moment as they aim to build a promising future in both domestic and European football.