'My professional dad!' - Enzo Maresca ready to take on former boss Manuel Pellegrini in Conference League final as Chelsea set up meeting with Real Betis

Chelsea’s journey to the European summit clash was sealed with a composed 1-0 win over Swedish side Djurgardens at Stamford Bridge on Thursday. Awaiting them in the final is La Liga outfit Real Betis, after they edged out Fiorentina in a dramatic semi-final following a 4-3 aggregate triumph.

The relationship between Maresca and Pellegrini goes beyond standard professional camaraderie. The Chelsea boss played under the Chilean tactician during his time at Malaga and later worked alongside him as an assistant coach at West Ham United.

Speaking to reporters, Maresca explained his emotional ties to the veteran manager, revealing that his late arrival at the press conference was due to him closely following Betis' extra-time victory.

"I'm happy to face Betis, especially because of Manuel Pellegrini. He is like my professional dad. So we'll be very happy," he said. "I had him four years, two as a player and two I was his coach, assistant coach. So I know exactly how he thinks about players, but the most important thing is that he's honest, he's a good person, he always tries to be honest with the player. And I try, personally, I try to learn a lot about his way."

While Maresca holds Pellegrini in the highest regard, he’s no stranger to the hostility likely awaiting him in the final. Before turning to coaching, the Italian enjoyed a successful playing career with Sevilla, the bitter cross-town rivals of Real Betis.

"I played four years for Sevilla, that is a big derby against Betis," he said. "We also won the derby 1-0, and I scored a goal. I know that they don't like me, they don't love me. I met my wife in Seville, she's from Seville. My first son born in Seville. I played for Seville, but no doubt that I want to win the final."

The stage is set for Chelsea and Betis to face off on May 28 at the Stadion Wrocław in Poland. With Chelsea looking to make this final a cornerstone of Maresca’s managerial debut season in West London and Pellegrini hoping to secure European glory for Betis, the stakes are monumental on both sides. It is a match where the apprentice will test his growth against his mentor.