change immediately, or the game would slip away.
Despite the urgency, Maresca remained positive, urging the team to treat the second half as a fresh start and move past the earlier setback.
Tactically, adjustments were necessary, particularly on the right flank, where Abde Ezzalzouli had been a constant threat after scoring early in the match.
Maresca made a single substitution, bringing on captain Reece James to replace Malo Gusto in the right-back role.
After addressing the squad as a whole, he took time to speak individually with players, ensuring they understood their roles in the comeback effort.
James later admitted he had been disappointed not to start, but his performance in the second half reflected how effectively Maresca had motivated the team and guided them to victory.
Speaking to TNT Sports after Chelsea’s 4-1 victory, Maresca said: “When we changed him, he said to me, ‘Boss, don’t worry, we’re going to win the game’.”
Maresca had been particularly vocal in the days leading up to Chelsea’s final matches of the season. Before their crucial victory over Nottingham Forest, which secured Champions League qualification, he emphasized the importance of winning both games back-to-back.
He believed these results would define the closing chapter of their campaign, which he already saw as a step forward. His message was clear—while securing one win would be decent, Chelsea must always strive for the highest possible success.
Following the hard-fought win against Nottingham Forest, Maresca delivered a passionate speech in the dressing room, urging his players to give everything in the Conference League final.
His words resonated, and Chelsea responded with a dominant performance.
By the time the celebrations began, all the pressure and intensity leading up to the final had faded, with the team enjoying their victory at a gathering in their hotel in Wroclaw.
