Enzo Maresca Reveals Chelsea Concern Before Conference League Semi-Final

Enzo Maresca Expresses Doubts About Artificial Pitch Ahead of Crucial Clash in Sweden

On the eve of a critical European fixture, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has voiced his concern about more than just the opposition. As the Blues prepare to face Djurgarden in the first leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final on Thursday night, the talk is less about tactics and more about the turf.

Chelsea’s trip to Sweden should, on paper, be a straightforward challenge. Djurgarden, currently languishing in 11th place in the Allsvenskan, are hardly European heavyweights. But there’s an artificial elephant in the room—Djurgarden’s plastic pitch at the Tele2 Arena.

Maresca didn’t mince words when asked about the surface. “For sure it can be a concern,” he said in Wednesday’s pre-match press conference. “I’m a little bit worried about that.”

A Semi-Final, Not a Sideshow

Despite the potential hazards posed by the playing surface, Enzo Maresca made one thing clear: this is not the time to experiment or rest key players.

“We are not in a moment where we can say we decide to save players for Sunday. This is a semi-final, it’s a European competition and we want to be in the final,” Enzo Maresca insisted. “It’s completely different playing on an artificial pitch. I know that even some of their players have been complaining about it. They play there every week, so for us it’s a different challenge entirely.”

Maresca’s remarks echo a sense of apprehension that goes beyond Chelsea’s squad. Even Djurgarden’s own manager, Jani Honkavaara, has publicly criticized the pitch, calling it “horrible.”

Djurgarden Players Also Frustrated by Turf Conditions

In an unusual show of unity, both teams seem equally frustrated by the state of the pitch. Djurgarden’s Norwegian winger Tokmac Nguen voiced his dissatisfaction in April: “The ball just slides away from your foot all the time. In deciding situations when you have decided what to do, suddenly the ball has moved for no reason. We have told the club that something has to be done.”

Their striker August Priske was even more blunt, calling it a “s****y pitch” after their last European outing. Such candid criticism from home players underscores the seriousness of the issue.

Chelsea’s European Ambitions Face an Unusual Obstacle

Chelsea have been impressive in their Europa Conference League campaign thus far, sweeping through the group stage and knockout rounds with an aggressive, attacking style of football. Nine consecutive wins underlined their superiority in the competition until they stumbled with a surprise defeat to Legia Warsaw in the second leg of the quarter-final.

Now, facing an underperforming Swedish side, the expectation would typically be for Chelsea to dominate. But the plastic pitch levels the playing field—literally.

Maresca’s Chelsea are a team built around swift transitions and intricate passing movements, elements that may be hindered on a pitch that doesn’t offer the same give and feel as natural grass. Players have to adapt quickly, with footwork and timing likely needing recalibration.

No Room for Excuses, Says Enzo Maresca

Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea are the favourites to win the Conference League / CAISA RASMUSSEN/GettyImages

While expressing concern, Enzo Maresca was quick to shut the door on any potential excuses. “There are no excuses, no reasons why we are not going to compete tomorrow and the second game at all,” he said. That message has clearly been passed on to his players.

Pedro Neto, speaking ahead of the game, offered a more optimistic view. “To be honest, when I was younger in Portugal I used to play on these pitches. I even played on the sand sometimes!” the winger smiled. “Of course I haven’t played on one in a long time, but we will train on it tonight and be prepared for tomorrow.”

The Bigger Picture: Player Safety and Long-Term Impact

Beyond tactical challenges, artificial pitches raise concerns about player welfare. The harder surface is associated with a higher risk of certain injuries, particularly to the knees and ankles. With Chelsea still competing on multiple fronts, losing a key player to injury in Sweden could prove costly.

It’s not just about this match. Chelsea are still pushing for a top-four finish domestically and have their sights set on winning the Conference League. The balance between caution and competitiveness will be delicate.

Maresca acknowledged that it’s something they’ve had to factor into their preparations. “You always want to protect your players. But this is a semi-final in Europe—no one wants to miss that.”

A Test of Mental Strength and Flexibility

The first leg in Sweden will test Chelsea’s adaptability. They’ve shown mental resilience throughout this European run, bouncing back from tough domestic patches to shine in midweek fixtures. Now they’ll need to adapt again—this time to the terrain.

The return leg at Stamford Bridge will offer a more familiar and favourable environment, but Enzo Maresca is determined that his side don’t fall behind in the opening chapter. “We know the second leg is at home, but that doesn’t mean we can take this one lightly. We want to make a statement.”

Final Word

In European football, every detail matters. From travel arrangements to weather, crowd noise to turf texture, the margins are razor-thin. Enzo Maresca and his Chelsea side enter Thursday’s match as favourites on paper, but football isn’t played on paper—and certainly not on grass in this case.

Thursday’s semi-final will be about more than just talent. It will test Chelsea’s flexibility, resolve, and willingness to rise above the discomfort of unfamiliar conditions. If they want to lift silverware at the end of the campaign, this plastic pit stop in Stockholm might be one of their biggest hurdles yet.