Enzo Maresca Frustrated as Real Betis Gain Extra Rest Before Conference League Final

Chelsea Boss ‘Not Happy’ with Scheduling Disparity Ahead of European Showpiece

As Chelsea gear up for their biggest game of the season—the UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis—manager Enzo Maresca has voiced his frustration over what he sees as an unfair scheduling advantage given to their Spanish opponents. With the final set for Wednesday, May 28, Maresca is unhappy that Betis will have 48 hours more recovery time than his side heading into the showdown.

The Italian head coach, who has brought a fresh identity and much-needed stability to Stamford Bridge since taking the reins, made his feelings clear after his team’s 5-1 aggregate win over Djurgarden in the semi-final. While Chelsea remain focused on securing silverware, Maresca couldn’t help but question the decision-making behind the fixture calendar.

“Real Betis finish their season on Friday. We finish on Sunday. That’s two more days for them to rest and prepare. I don’t understand how this is considered fair in a European final,” he said in a post-match interview.

Chelsea’s Packed May: Final League Push Before European Glory

Maresca Chelsea

The timing is particularly awkward for Chelsea, who are juggling their domestic ambitions with continental glory. The Blues conclude their Premier League campaign on Sunday, May 25, against Nottingham Forest. The stakes are high. A win could seal a top-five finish, which, depending on results elsewhere, might still be enough to clinch a Champions League place thanks to England’s strong UEFA coefficient this season.

Currently sitting fourth in the table, Maresca’s side are well-positioned—but nothing is guaranteed. A loss at the City Ground, coupled with unfavourable outcomes for rivals like Tottenham or Aston Villa, could leave them on the outside looking in.

Maresca has done an admirable job of navigating this late-season gauntlet, but even he knows that managing energy levels is crucial in this final stretch. That’s where the imbalance in preparation time becomes more than just a footnote—it’s a legitimate concern.

Real Betis: Less at Stake, More Time to Prepare

Maresca Chelsea: From Chaos to Contenders

In contrast, Real Betis enter the Conference League final without the added burden of domestic stress. Their hopes of reaching the Champions League were extinguished weeks ago, and their final La Liga fixture against Valencia is scheduled for Friday, May 23—two full days before Chelsea’s final league outing.

With European qualification no longer on the line for the Spaniards, their focus is already squarely on the Conference League final. That gives manager Manuel Pellegrini a unique luxury: he can manage his squad’s minutes against Valencia with one eye on the bigger prize.

By the time Chelsea kick off against Nottingham Forest, Betis could be two days into rest and tactical drills for the final in Prague. It’s not hard to see why Maresca might feel a little shortchanged.

Maresca’s Chelsea: From Chaos to Contenders

It’s been a rollercoaster campaign for Chelsea, one that began with questions and chaos but is ending with optimism and silverware within reach. Maresca, who arrived with a reputation for developing intelligent, ball-dominant football, has instilled clarity in a squad that had previously lacked identity.

The route to the Conference League final hasn’t been straightforward. Along the way, Chelsea overcame tricky ties and proved their mettle in high-pressure moments. Their demolition of Djurgarden over two legs in the semi-final was a testament to how far this team has come under Maresca’s stewardship.

Now, with a European trophy within grasp, Chelsea’s season could go from respectable to resounding success in the space of a week. But to do that, they’ll need to manage fatigue, stay focused, and somehow neutralise a Betis side that will be both rested and motivated.

The Bigger Picture: Club World Cup Looms

The Conference League final won’t be the end of Chelsea’s journey this season either. After Prague, they’re set to jet off to the United States to take part in the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup—another log on the fire of an already exhausting campaign.

It’s a prestigious opportunity, but it adds further strain on an already stretched squad. Maresca will likely have to rotate and manage resources carefully to avoid burnout, especially for key players who have played heavy minutes across domestic and European competitions.

For all the glamour attached to the Club World Cup, it’s clear that the immediate focus is on May 28. That’s the date circled in red ink on the Chelsea calendar—a chance to lift their first piece of major silverware under Maresca and end the season on a high.

The Final Awaits: Unequal Preparation, Equal Stakes

As the Conference League final draws closer, the imbalance in preparation time will remain a talking point. But once the whistle blows in Prague, the rest days, travel fatigue, and scheduling debates will fade into the background. It’ll be Chelsea versus Real Betis, 90 minutes (or more) to decide who lifts the trophy.

Maresca will hope his team’s momentum and resilience can overcome any logistical disadvantages. After all, this is a squad that’s grown under pressure, matured through adversity, and now finds itself on the cusp of continental glory.

Still, one can’t help but wonder: in the finely tuned world of elite football, where marginal gains often make the difference, could those 48 hours be decisive?

Whatever happens, Maresca and Chelsea will fight until the very last whistle. But if the Blues fall short, expect the discussion around scheduling fairness to continue long after the confetti has settled.