Chelsea Faces Tough Challenge Against Copenhagen in Conference League Clash

LONDON, England — Chelsea Football Club is gearing up for a crucial last-16 match against Copenhagen in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday night, hoping to secure a trophy under manager Enzo Maresca.

Chelsea enters this match with an impressive 100 percent win rate in the competition, despite a recent slump in their Premier League performance. After a promising start to the season, Chelsea currently sits outside of the top four, with hopes for a league title dashed following unfortunate injuries and losses in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

Maresca, who aims to make the Conference League the first trophy of his managerial career, traveled to Denmark with a squad of 21 players, ready to face the challenge ahead. Defender Marc Cucurella, who scored a goal in Chelsea’s recent 4-0 win against Southampton, spoke alongside Maresca at a press conference.

“Copenhagen is a very good team,” Cucurella said. “They are great in the league, in the Conference. It will be a tough game. They have a clear style of play and have played together for a long time.”

In addressing his squad’s objectives, Maresca stated, “We focus on what we can improve, both in games and training. The preparation remains the same.” He acknowledged the need for players to regain their form and confidence, particularly following a challenging December that saw the team underperform.

“Unfortunately our bad run began with injuries,” Cucurella noted. “Seeing teammates return from injury is a huge boost for us. We are ready to fight in this competition.”

Both players expressed an understanding of the frustrations faced by fans amid their recent struggles, highlighting the club’s long-term project under Maresca’s leadership. “We understand the fans want us to win,” Cucurella said. “It’s important to show them we have energy and a desire to compete.”

Looking forward, Maresca remains optimistic, recognizing the monumental opportunity that awaits the team in the Conference League. “If we win this competition, it would be the first time Chelsea has won it, which would be very special,” he said.

As the match approaches, the focus is not only on earning a favorable result but also on showcasing the collective growth of the squad. With an underlying belief in their talent and potential, both Maresca and Cucurella are determined to lead Chelsea back to glory.