Europa Conference League Final: Jordan Criticizes Chelsea Manager Maresca Over Latest Comments
Former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan has criticized Chelsea’s head coach, Enzo Maresca, over his recent remarks concerning the UEFA Europa Conference League final. Chelsea is set to face Spanish side Real Betis in the much-anticipated final next Wednesday. However, tensions have begun to surface ahead of the clash, not just on the pitch, but in the press as well.
According to BBC Sport, Maresca voiced his displeasure over what he perceives as an unfair advantage for Real Betis. The Spanish side will have additional rest and preparation time since their final La Liga fixture comes earlier than Chelsea’s last match in the Premier League. Maresca implied that this scheduling gave Betis an edge heading into the European showdown.
Responding to these complaints, Simon Jordan dismissed Maresca’s concerns in typically blunt fashion during an appearance on talkSPORT, as reported by The Chelsea Chronicle. Jordan suggested that the Chelsea boss should not be making excuses or expressing frustration about matters beyond his control. Instead, he emphasized that Chelsea should have done more earlier in the season to manage their squad and secure the flexibility to rest key players ahead of the final.
“Maybe if you got the job done, you could’ve put the reserves out this weekend, so pack it in,” Jordan said, clearly unimpressed with Maresca’s grievances.
He went further, mocking the prestige of the competition itself, which is UEFA’s third-tier European tournament. “I mean, the bottom line is you are playing in the pub Conference League,” he added. This term, “pub league,” is often used disparagingly to imply a lower standard of competition.
Despite the mocking tone, Jordan did acknowledge that Real Betis would be more challenging than Chelsea’s previous opponents in the tournament. “You should be able to win it anyway. I know Betis will be more formidable opposition than you have had previously,” he said, suggesting that while Betis is a strong side, Chelsea’s squad quality should still be enough to secure the title.
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Chelsea’s journey to the final has been relatively smooth, and expectations are high that Maresca, who took over managerial duties following a turbulent season, can secure silverware in his debut campaign. Still, the Italian’s frustration over scheduling reflects the intensity and pressure surrounding European competitions, no matter the tier.
Jordan’s remarks, however cutting, underscore a broader sentiment often echoed in English football circles: top clubs like Chelsea should focus on performance and adaptability, rather than external conditions such as opponent schedules.
As the final draws near, attention will turn back to the pitch, where both teams will be eager to claim a European title. For Maresca and Chelsea, the objective is clear—bring the trophy home. But if they fall short, critics like Jordan will no doubt remind them that preparation excuses won’t hold much weight in the world of elite football.
