Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca ‘not happy’ as Real Betis get extra rest ahead of Conference League final

Chelsea head coach Maresca expressed his frustration at the authorities, questioning their decision to allow '48 hours more' rest to their opponents in the Conference League final, Real Betis. The Blues will take on Betis to battle for the trophy next Wednesday, May 28, after beating Swedish opponents Djurgarden 5-1 on aggregate in the last-four.

Speaking at a press conference, Maresca said: "I'm not happy, 100%. You cannot allow a team 48 hours more than the other team when you play in a European competition final. Or they play [on] Sunday, like us. I don't know if it's from La Liga, the Premier League or UEFA. If I ask you if it is normal to play a final where the team has 48 hours more than the other team, it's not normal. It's not correct."

Chelsea will play their final game of the Premier League campaign on Sunday, May 25, against Nottingham Forest. They could yet finish in a Champions League spot if they finish in the top five (they are currently in fourth position), regardless of the result. However, if they lose, and other results go against them, they might finish outside of the top five.

In contrast, Betis' hopes to qualify for the Champions League have already been dashed. They will play their final game two days before Chelsea's game on Friday, May 23, against Valencia.

As mentioned earlier, Chelsea and Real Betis will play their final league encounters this week, before clashing in the Conference League final next Wednesday. Then, Maresca's troops will travel to the United States to participate in the revamped Club World Cup.