Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca believes winning the UEFA Conference League would prove his side are back as trophy contenders.
Speaking before their semifinal second leg against Djurgarden, Maresca stressed the importance of the competition, with Chelsea holding a 4-1 lead.
The Blues haven’t won a major trophy since the 2021 Champions League.
Maresca stated that lifting the Conference League trophy would be “a statement that you can say Chelsea is back” and a crucial step in building a “winning mentality” for his young squad.
Despite facing criticism, Maresca has Chelsea in fifth place in the Premier League.
He sees the Conference League, where they are strong favorites to potentially face Real Betis or Fiorentina in the final, as a vital opportunity to secure their first silverware since 2021 and signal their return to prominence.
