Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca appeared caught off guard regarding the presence of Mykhailo Mudryk in Wroclaw ahead of the club’s UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis. The Ukrainian winger, who has been provisionally suspended by the Football Association after a failed doping test last December, was spotted in the Polish city the day before the crucial match, despite not having played since November.
Mudryk’s unexpected arrival stirred interest and speculation. He was seen at a local steak restaurant wearing Chelsea gear and took photos with fans, raising questions about his role in the squad for the final. Although banned from playing, Mudryk remains eligible to receive a medal from UEFA and is expected to attend the match, though it remains uncertain whether he will be inside Stadion Wroclaw or watching from an outside venue. Chelsea have not clarified if Mudryk is staying at the team hotel or if the club covered his travel expenses, but he reportedly arrived in Poland ahead of the rest of the squad.
At his pre-match press conference, Maresca seemed unsure about Mudryk’s presence. When asked if he was pleased the player was in Wroclaw, the coach appeared confused and initially struggled to respond. “To be honest, I just … I don’t know, he is here or is coming?” Maresca said. “He is here? I don’t know. I am happy for Mischa to be here.” This reaction highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Mudryk’s status within the team amid the doping investigation and provisional suspension.
Chelsea enter the final as clear favorites against Real Betis, who are competing in their first European final. The Stamford Bridge club have enjoyed a strong season, securing Champions League qualification and eyeing their first trophy since the club’s ownership changed hands three years ago under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. Despite the Conference League often being perceived as a lower-tier competition, Maresca has emphasized its importance to the team. “Probably the most complicated thing this season about the Conference has been to convince the players that for us it was the best competition in the world,” he explained.
The Italian manager faces key selection decisions ahead of the match. Goalkeeper Filip Jörgensen is expected to start, while Maresca must consider whether to reinstate striker Nicolas Jackson, who missed a recent match due to a red card and is reportedly eager to make amends. Additionally, questions remain over whether Reece James, Chelsea’s captain, will be ready to start given the tight schedule, having played recently twice within four days.
Chelsea put considerable effort into securing their Champions League spot by defeating Nottingham Forest on Sunday, but the tight turnaround between matches has been a source of frustration for the club. They face a quicker recovery period than Betis, whose last La Liga game was moved to the previous Friday, providing them with more rest before the final.
Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini expressed sympathy with Chelsea’s situation but dismissed the quick turnaround as an excuse. “I think that you cannot give any advantage to your rival,” he said. “They had a difficult game on Sunday. They must qualify for the Champions League. They did it, so I am very happy for them. But it will not be an excuse. I am sure that Chelsea will be recuperated.” Pellegrini’s comments underscored the competitive intensity expected in the final despite the logistical challenges faced by both sides.
Chelsea’s focus is clearly on securing the Conference League trophy, a prize that would mark a significant milestone for the club under the new ownership regime. The presence of Mudryk, even if only as a spectator, adds an unusual twist to the final’s narrative given the shadow of his doping suspension. Meanwhile, Maresca and his players remain determined to treat the competition with the respect it deserves, aiming to bring home silverware and build momentum for the coming seasons.
