Chelsea and Real Betis will face each other today for the 2024-25 UEFA Conference League final, in which both teams are aiming to close the season with a title. However, Jadon Sancho, who has been a key figure for the Blues in the competition, will start the match on the bench.
The reason for his absence in the starting lineup is tactical, as the whole Chelsea squad was available for the match. It’s a telling choice by coach Enzo Maresca, who recently spoke about the possibility of retaining Sancho, who is on loan with the team from Manchester United.
“I don’t know,” said the Italian boss, when asked about the future of the forward. “I said that when in the last weeks you asked me about different players, I always said the same. And the reason why is because it’s the truth,” he explained.
“It’s not the moment, we have the final. Then in 24 hours, 48 hours, we’re going to start to talk about the future. But at this moment, there is not any thought or any decision made on Jadon or any different players,” he added.
Jadon Sancho of Chelsea (Harry Murphy/Getty Images)
In the Conference League, Sancho has scored one goal and produced five assists. He is also coming from starting in both legs of the Blues’ semi-final triumph over Djurgarden. This could potentially be his last match for the club, unless he gets a chance to impress the bosses.
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What happens if Chelsea or Betis win the 2024-25 UEFA Conference League?
Chelsea’s lineup for the UEFA Conference League final
As we said, Chelsea have all their players available, after Nicolas Jackson returned from a two-game suspension, while Christopher Nkunku is fit again after injury. So, Maresca opted for this lineup against Real Betis: Filip Jorgensen; Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile, Marc Cucurella; Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez; Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke; Nicolas Jackson.
Meanwhile, Real Betis, coached by Manuel Pellegrini, are playing with: Adrian; Youssouf Sabaly, Marc Bartra, Natan, Ricardo Rodriguez; Isco, Johnny Cardoso, Fornals; Antony, Cedric Bakambu, Abde Ezzalzouli.
