Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has expressed excitement about facing his “professional dad,” Manuel Pellegrini, after Chelsea and Real Betis booked their places in the UEFA Conference League final.
The Blues secured a 1-0 second-leg win over Djurgarden on Thursday to complete a 5-1 aggregate triumph, while Pellegrini’s Betis edged Fiorentina 4-3 on aggregate after extra time, setting up a title clash in Wroclaw, Poland, on May 28.
Read Also: Conference League: Chelsea see-off Djurgarden to play Betis in final
Maresca vs Pellegrini: A personal reunion
Speaking after the game, Maresca, who played under and later coached alongside Pellegrini, was visibly emotional about the upcoming reunion.
“I’m happy to face Betis, especially because of Manuel Pellegrini. He is like my professional dad,” said Maresca. “I had him for four years: two as a player, two as his assistant coach. He’s honest, a good person, and I’ve learnt a lot from him.”
The Italian boss admitted he was late to his post-match press conference because he was watching Betis’ dramatic extra-time win over Fiorentina.
A derby of emotions for Maresca
Maresca also acknowledged the added personal edge of facing Betis, having enjoyed a successful playing career with their city rivals Sevilla, where he won two Europa League titles and a UEFA Super Cup.
“I know they don’t like me in Seville because of my Sevilla past,” he smiled. “I played four years for Sevilla; I scored in a derby win. But there’s no doubt I want to win the final.”
A shot at history for Chelsea
Chelsea now stand on the brink of completing the set of major UEFA trophies, having already won the Champions League and Europa League. Maresca sees this final as a launching pad for long-term success.
“The Conference League is a starting point to build a winning mentality,” he said. “We want to give this club and our fans something special, to be the first to win all three UEFA competitions.”
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