Enzo Maresca had a special message for Isco after Chelsea’s 4-1 win against Real Betis in the Conference League final on Wednesday night.
Chelsea went behind early in Wroclaw as Isco’s excellent pass found Abde Ezzalzouli, who fired past Filip Jorgensen to put Betis in front in the ninth minute.
Maresca’s side stepped in the second half and Cole Palmer’s superb ball into Betis’ box found Enzo Fernandez, who headed in the equaliser.
Palmer was the provider once again to help Chelsea take the lead as his neat turn and cross from the right picked out Nicolas Jackson, who scored with another header from close range.
Jason Sancho, on as a second half substitute, put the tie beyond doubt with a brilliant finish to extend Chelsea’s advantage.
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Moises Caicedo then wrapped up Chelsea’s 4-1 win with another neat strike on the edge of Betis’ penalty area.
The win is a historic one for Chelsea as they have become the first club to win the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.
Speaking after his side’s win, Maresca revealed that he sought out Isco to praise the former Real Madrid midfielder for his performance in the final.
‘I told Isco at the end that he has a quality that makes the difference,’ Maresca told Movistar.
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Chelsea midfielder Fernandez also revealed paid tribute to Isco after speaking with the 33-year-old during the post-match medal ceremony.
‘He showed all his qualities today and throughout his career, he has won many things, and I told him to keep going,’ Fernandez said.
Meanwhile, Maresca also revealed that he predicted Chelsea would endure a difficult first half in the Conference League final due to their tough 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest on the final day of the Premier League season last Sunday which secured them a place in next season’s Champions League.
‘I expected it to turn out like that because on Sunday we played until the 100th minute to qualify for the Champions League,’ Maresca said.
‘Betis had played on Friday, I expected them to start strongly, but we adjusted at half time and then I think we were much better.’
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