Maresca called Pellegrini his “professional dad,” referencing their long-standing bond.
Image credit: Chelsea Dodgers
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is preparing for more than just a European final—he’s heading into a clash with deep personal meaning.
Following Chelsea’s dominant 5-1 aggregate win over Djurgarden in the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-finals, Maresca is set to face Real Betis, now managed by none other than his former mentor, Manuel Pellegrini.
Maresca, visibly moved, called Pellegrini his “professional dad,” referencing their long-standing bond.
The two first connected at Malaga, where Maresca played under Pellegrini, before reuniting at West Ham—this time with Maresca as Pellegrini’s assistant.
“I had him for four years—two as a player and two as his coach,” Maresca said. “He’s honest, he’s a good man, and I’ve learned so much from him.”
The Conference League final, set for 28 May in Wroclaw, Poland, will be historic for more reasons than one.
If Chelsea win, they will become the first club in Europe to have won the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League.
Maresca sees this tournament not as a consolation prize but as a cornerstone for building a winner’s mentality at Stamford Bridge.
Despite the personal ties, Maresca won’t be sentimental come kick-off. “I want to win this final,” he asserted. “This is about Chelsea. It’s about making history.”
Interestingly, Maresca has a complex relationship with Betis fans.
He spent four successful years at Sevilla—Betis’ bitter rivals—where he won two Europa League titles and even scored in a fiery Seville derby.
“They don’t love me,” Maresca admitted with a smile. “But I’m used to that.”
