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Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is unhappy with Real Betis getting 48 hours extra time prior to the UEFA Conference League final 2024-25 fixture on May 28. With the marquee Stadion Miejski all set to host the marquee contest, Maresca launched a fierce attack on Premier League authorities regarding the scheduling. The Blues entered the tournament’s final after beating Djurgarden by 5-1 on aggregate in the semi-final. Chelsea will play their final Premier League 2024-25 contest against Nottingham Forest while Betis will be seen in action against Valencia on May 23, a couple of days ahead of the Blues’ final (PL) 2024-25 contest.
Betis' chances of qualifying for Champions League 2025-26 have already finished but if Chelsea lose their game against Forest, they might not end the tournament among the top five teams in the English competition, which means the Blues won't be able to make it to the premier European league. Expressing his anger regarding the fixture at a press conference, Chelsea boss Maresca said, "I'm not happy, 100%. You cannot allow a team 48 hours more than the other team when you play in a European competition final. Or they play [on] Sunday, like us. I don't know if it's from La Liga, the Premier League or UEFA. If I ask you if it is normal to play a final where the team has 48 hours more than the other team, it's not normal. It's not correct."
Enzo Maresca expressed affection towards Real Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini
Maresca has expressed his fondness for Real Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini before the summit clash. Both legendary football characters have worked a lot in their professional careers. Talking about the 71-year-old Chilean, Maresca described Betis boss as a father figure to him in the sport.
"He's special, he's a reference for me. I spent four years with Manuel. He's a great human being, a great person, for me he's like my father in football. We're in contact. I spoke with Manuel yesterday, we're very close", added Maresca.
