Maresca's Chelsea Eyes Conference League Glory

Chelsea, led by manager Enzo Maresca, is on the verge of a European final after a dominant 4-1 win in the Conference League semi-final first leg. Can they become the first team to win all three major European competitions?

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is pleased to have his team at full strength as they prepare for the Conference League semi-final second leg against Djurgarden. With a commanding 4-1 lead from the first leg, Chelsea is confident of securing a spot in the final.

Maresca's team delivered a dominant performance in Sweden, with goals from Jadon Sancho, Noni Madueke, and a double from Nicolas Jackson. However, Maresca might still rotate his squad, considering their upcoming Premier League match against Newcastle United. Some players, like Malo Gusto and Christopher Nkunku, have minor injuries and might be rested, while Marc Guiu is nearing a return from injury and could feature.

“We have no new injuries,” Maresca told a press conference on Wednesday.

“This is good for us. Everyone is fit and (striker) Marc Guiu could be involved in the squad. We are not sure yet, we will make a decision on him, but he is getting closer.”

Marc Guiu, the Spanish teenager who joined Chelsea from Barcelona and leads the team's scoring in the competition with six goals, has been out with a hamstring injury for the past three months.

“Maybe it's better for Marc to have a few more days of training, but he is very close to being back with us,” said Maresca, indicating Guiu is nearing a return to the team.

The latest team news from Enzo ahead of our return to European action. 👇

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 7, 2025

Chelsea last played in a European final in 2021, when they won the Champions League by beating Manchester City 1-0. Now, they're chasing another European trophy, this time in the Conference League.

“It's very important for us, for different reasons. But mainly because we want this club winning trophies,” said Maresca. A Conference League title would make Chelsea the first team to win all three major European competitions.

When asked if winning the Conference League would be enough to declare Chelsea's return to winning ways, manager Enzo Maresca said it would be a good start.

“Winning a trophy is a statement and you (could then) say Chelsea are back,” Maresca added, highlighting the significance of a title win for the club's resurgence.

Attention turns to our #UECL semi-final second leg. pic.twitter.com/QgVwXX8rRn

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 7, 2025

“If we play in the Conference it's because it's where we are. (And) if you play Conference, the only trophy you can win is the Conference. I think it's a good starting point.”