Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that goalkeeper Filip Jørgensen will start in the UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis on May 28 in Wrocław, Poland. The 23-year-old Swedish-Danish shot-stopper has been a consistent presence in Chelsea’s European campaign this season, featuring in nearly all matches leading up to the final .
Jørgensen’s Journey to the Final
Since joining Chelsea from Villarreal in 2024, Jørgensen has primarily served as the club’s goalkeeper in European competitions, while Robert Sánchez has been the first choice in the Premier League. Maresca emphasized the importance of fairness in team selection, stating that Jørgensen’s consistent involvement in the tournament warranted his inclusion in the final .
Jørgensen’s performances have been instrumental in Chelsea’s journey to the final, including a solid display in the semi-final second leg against Djurgårdens IF, where the Blues secured a 1-0 victory to complete a 5-1 aggregate win
Maresca’s Concerns Over Scheduling
Ahead of the final, Maresca has expressed frustration over the scheduling disparity between Chelsea and Real Betis. While Betis concluded their La Liga season on May 23, Chelsea faces a crucial Premier League match against Nottingham Forest on May 25, just three days before the final. Maresca criticized the 48-hour advantage granted to Betis, calling for consistent rules to prevent such discrepancies in the future .
Injury Concerns and Squad Selection
Chelsea faces several injury concerns ahead of the final. Forwards Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu have returned to training but are not fully fit, while striker Nicolas Jackson is suspended . These absences may impact Maresca’s attacking options, potentially leading to the inclusion of academy talents like Tyrique George, who has featured in previous Conference League matches .
Aiming for European Glory
The upcoming final marks Chelsea’s first appearance in the UEFA Conference League final and their twelfth European final overall. A victory would not only secure the club’s first trophy under Maresca but also add another major European title to their collection, which includes multiple Champions League, Europa League, Cup Winners’ Cup, and Super Cup trophies .
Maresca views the final as an opportunity to make a statement about Chelsea’s resurgence on the European stage. He believes that winning the Conference League would signify that “Chelsea is back,” highlighting the importance of building a winning mentality within the squad .
As the Blues prepare for the final, all eyes will be on Jørgensen, who has earned his place between the posts through consistent performances. His inclusion reflects Maresca’s commitment to rewarding players who have contributed significantly to the team’s European journey.
