Maresca: Winning the Europa Conference League is the priority for Chelsea | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca says Chelsea are determined to take care of business on Thursday night and reach the final of the Europa Conference League.

Chelsea take a 4-1 lead into their second leg semi-final against Djurgardens IF at Stamford Bridge. Despite the commanding advantage, Maresca made it clear that there would be no complacency.

“We are going to try to win,” said the Italian. “The next step is to reach the final, and then hopefully we can win it. But first, we have to do our job tomorrow.”

Maresca is seeking his first major honour as a manager, but said the focus is on what winning would mean for Chelsea. “It’s important personally, but for me it’s much more important for the club and the fans,” he added. “This is the only European trophy Chelsea have never won.

“The club can become the first to win all four UEFA competitions.”

Chelsea have been strong favourites throughout the campaign, and Maresca has often spoken about the weight of expectation. “When you join a competition and you’re expected to win, the pressure is different,” he said. “You have to convince the players that there are no easy games.”

Maresca confirmed there are no fresh injuries in the squad and hinted that Marc Guiu could return. “He’s very close to being back with us,” he said.

He also praised Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo, who has just been named Chelsea’s Player of the Season.

Maresca refused to be drawn into picking a preferred final opponent between Real Betis and Fiorentina, but said: “Manuel Pellegrini (Betis manager) is one of my professional dads.

“I’d be happy for him, but we are only focused on tomorrow’s game.”

Asked whether winning the competition would mark Chelsea’s return, he replied: “Yes, because first of all, you win a trophy. From there, we try to build a winning mentality.”