Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca expresses anticipation for facing his mentor, Manuel Pellegrini, in the Conference League final after both teams secured their spots. Chelsea triumphed over Djurgarden 5-1 on aggregate, while Real Betis overcame Fiorentina in dramatic fashion. Maresca reflects on his relationship with Pellegrini, who he regards as a 'professional dad,' having played under him at Malaga and assisted him at West Ham. He acknowledges the emotional stakes and rivalries involved, particularly due to his time spent at Sevilla, Betis's fierce rivals, while expressing a desire to win the final for Chelsea fans.
I'm happy to face Betis, especially because of Manuel Pellegrini. He is like my professional dad. So we'll be very happy.
I had him four years, two as a player and two I was his coach, assistant coach. So I know exactly how he thinks about players.
I played four years for Sevilla, that is a big derby against Betis. I know that they don't like me, they don't love me.
For me personally, it's very important, especially because we can give the chance to this club and these fans to be the first club in Europe.
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