- 6/1/2025
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00:00:00Hello and welcome to Bratislav where tonight the Conference League final will be decided
00:00:08and history will be made. Real Betis, you can hear their fans here, they've already made history by
00:00:15making their first ever European final. Can they go on and lift the trophy and give these guys
00:00:22a night to remember? Or will it be Chelsea, Champions League bound next season, will it be
00:00:28them who go on to lift this cup and become the first English side to complete a European clean sweep?
00:00:35The Blues fans are also here in their numbers, will they be celebrating come full-time?
00:00:42I think now that we are at the end, the journey has been a good journey for all of us.
00:00:47Blue is the colour and Chelsea is the day.
00:00:50This is the start of the process, I think we have to look always forward, this is a dream, it's coming too.
00:00:58Ballet header, history is made, Chelsea the champions of European football.
00:01:04You can bring any question in high-level sports down to the question how bad do you want it and this group wants it really bad.
00:01:11The blue flag is flying high, Chelsea have won the Europa League again, both times they've contested it, they've won it.
00:01:20That's why it's so important for us to win the title is because it can be a good starting point for the future and to be again there.
00:01:28Foroslav is the setting for what could be a glorious end to a season which these fans haven't always enjoyed.
00:01:38Champions League football is secured, it was on the final day of the Premier League season and it's party atmosphere in the city and a chance to collect a hat-trick of major European trophies.
00:01:48kick-off between Mel Betis and Chelsea is at 8pm.
00:01:55Chelsea here, they are just arriving here at the stadium as we speak.
00:02:03Enzo Maresca looking to lead the side, lead the club to a first trophy of his tenure, his young guns have done the business so far.
00:02:12Can this squad deliver one more performance and with it a European trophy?
00:02:18Well, here are Betis arriving as well, littered with European experience and Manuel Pellegrini is the man at the top.
00:02:29He could become the oldest coach to win a major UEFA men's club competition.
00:02:35Welcome to Poland, great to have your company this evening.
00:02:42And I'm delighted to be in the company of Joe Cole and Steve Sudwell.
00:02:45Hello guys.
00:02:46Hello there.
00:02:47What a night, what an occasion, a European trophy up for grabs.
00:02:51Regardless, it is a very special day.
00:02:53You sensing that amongst the Chelsea fans?
00:02:55Yeah, you do.
00:02:56I mean, this conference league campaign, Chelsea were massive favourites, you know.
00:03:01What you have to give credit to this group of players and the managers, how they've navigated that throughout.
00:03:05It's been a transitional period, we know that throughout the club.
00:03:08But this year, they've achieved Champions League football and that's a massive weight off their back.
00:03:13And they've managed to put blood players in this and get to the final very, very comfortably.
00:03:17And, you know, the carrot's there to complete the set.
00:03:20You know, there's so many connotations around what this trophy means for the club.
00:03:24But for this team, Sid, it's going to be massive.
00:03:26I think it's all round, Joe.
00:03:28You know, I think it's massive for the club because we know Chelsea's all about winning trophies.
00:03:31I think it's massive for this group of players and the new process, this new era.
00:03:35It's also massive for the manager.
00:03:37You know, you look at, you know, in terms of him silencing critics and a lot of noise between fans
00:03:42and the pressure that he's been under.
00:03:44It's a huge night all round for every member of this part of Chelsea Football Club.
00:03:48That's the thing, isn't it? Any trophy, not least a European trophy, is absolutely huge.
00:03:53There's no doubt Champions League qualification was a huge aim of the club.
00:03:57That was achieved at the weekend at Nottingham Forest.
00:04:00How much of an impact, a kick on, can that give to the players coming into this tonight?
00:04:05Massively. And you know what?
00:04:07We saw a Newcastle team at the weekend with a lot more experience, a more experienced manager and more experienced teams
00:04:12really, really fluffed their lines, you know, in a pressure situations.
00:04:15This group of players, the questions were there.
00:04:17They've gone to the city grand seats and they performed.
00:04:19Yeah, disciplined performance as well. We can see the celebrations there.
00:04:22What it meant, the pressures that it was under because as much as this competition was huge for them,
00:04:26the Champions League was the ultimate remit, a real disciplined, mature performance, not just there,
00:04:33and again at Old Trafford the week before.
00:04:35And I think that's made this game, it's still huge for them, but it just lessens the pressure.
00:04:41They can come into this, I think, otherwise it would have been a real intense, you know, cup final,
00:04:45would have been sort of stressful to kind of watch.
00:04:47Now they can come in, relax, enjoy it.
00:04:49As I say, this could be the cherry on the cake for them.
00:04:53Well, let's bring in a man who knows exactly what it is like to win this trophy.
00:04:58He lifted it in 2023 with West Ham. It is Mikel Antonio.
00:05:03Mikel, it's great to have you with us this evening.
00:05:05Does this bring back lots of positive memories for you?
00:05:08It brings up some great memories, obviously being there, the day that we experienced,
00:05:12obviously lifting the cup was unbelievable.
00:05:16Obviously seeing Pablo today has been nice as well.
00:05:18So I've really, Pablo, Angelo, not Angelo, sorry, Adrian, Ruben, Oscar and Felix,
00:05:25like so many people here I'm connected to, it's quality.
00:05:28That's the thing, isn't it? Your former manager, Manuel Pellegrini,
00:05:32and you've mentioned it there, your former teammate as well.
00:05:35I mean, winning this trophy as a player, it matters, doesn't it?
00:05:40Like, it's massive, it's massive. Obviously being here, new experience.
00:05:45Very first time that Rio Betis could have an opportunity to win it.
00:05:49Pablo could win it two times. Like, it's one of my best days and one of the best things of my life.
00:05:53So hopefully it could be a great experience for Betis and obviously Chelsea as well.
00:05:57Like, being here obviously, kind of wanting to be in the Champions League,
00:06:01but obviously they've done it and managed to get here.
00:06:03So just finish it off.
00:06:05There you have it. Thank you very much.
00:06:07We're going to let you go because you are going to go and catch up with your former manager
00:06:11and indeed your former teammates. So we'll see you soon, Mikael.
00:06:15Now, Mikael's out down there, you know.
00:06:17He's got the roving reporter.
00:06:19We're breaking him in gently here to our coverage.
00:06:21You two have been pretty busy as well.
00:06:23You never resist an opportunity to pull your boots back on.
00:06:27And you were part of a five-a-side tournament.
00:06:29I'm just going to ask you loosely, how did it go?
00:06:31It started off really badly. We was 3-0 down after two minutes.
00:06:35It felt like 20 seconds.
00:06:37It felt like 20 seconds.
00:06:38And it was a couple of old boys there.
00:06:40You know, Jersey Dudek, Thomas Kushak and a few of the boys there.
00:06:43And we played against, we fought other old men, but it turned out a bunch of 18-year-olds.
00:06:47But, you know, should have sucked this away, Dozie, really.
00:06:50I've lifted it.
00:06:52Yeah.
00:06:53But we ended up respectable.
00:06:55It was a good experience, wasn't it?
00:06:57It was in and amongst the town centre, wasn't it?
00:07:00The fans were out in force.
00:07:01This was about 10 seconds into the game.
00:07:05The messages don't go from the brain to the feet quick enough now, however.
00:07:13There's actually a drain.
00:07:15There's a drain underneath there.
00:07:18That's on concrete.
00:07:19And he's done well to stay.
00:07:21In actual fact, the rain was coming down.
00:07:24There was a bit of a death trap in there.
00:07:25It was a death trap.
00:07:26We're happy to survive, aren't we?
00:07:28We come out in one piece.
00:07:29They stitched you up there.
00:07:30They stitched you up.
00:07:31You can get them back later.
00:07:32Well, listen, the stage is set here for an almighty European final.
00:07:38This stadium was built for the 2012 European Championships.
00:07:43Thousands of Chelsea fans have travelled here hoping that they'll have even more reasons to celebrate after that Champions League qualification on Sunday.
00:07:50Many of them have been gathering in the Old Town Fan Zone and getting into the party spirit.
00:07:59It's not a success because we'll be the only ones to complete all the trophies, complete the set.
00:08:03And it's important for this group, this squad, under the ownership to get this first trophy.
00:08:08I know it might not be the biggest trophy, but what it signifies could be really big for the group.
00:08:12So, yeah, we've got to get it done.
00:08:13Definitely an achievement.
00:08:15It's inconsistent for it because we finished different ways above the table.
00:08:20But to be the only club in the world to have that achievement is definitely a big one, yeah.
00:08:24A sign of European heritage.
00:08:26Us as Chelsea fans, we're known to win Premier Leagues and Champions League side.
00:08:29We'll take it as we can right now. It's a good progression thing and it'll be good to get some trophies.
00:08:33Achievement. That's what we're looking for, to have all of them in the bag.
00:08:37It will be a very big achievement because we can be the first team ever to win all the three European competitions.
00:08:48So, some optimistic Chelsea fans there, but standing in their way is Real Betis, who arrived for their first ever European final.
00:08:54It is a huge achievement for the club from Seville and they will be leaning on the experience of players such as Isco,
00:09:00who knows what it's like to win a big final.
00:09:02Pablo Fornalz is alongside Mikel.
00:09:06They won this trophy in 2023 and they've been reunited down pitch side.
00:09:13Hello, Pablo.
00:09:14My guy.
00:09:15How are you?
00:09:16Very good, very good. Thank you.
00:09:17Really happy.
00:09:18So, are you excited to be here in the Cup Final again for you?
00:09:21Another opportunity to win it again?
00:09:23Mate, another opportunity.
00:09:26Look, these people is crazy.
00:09:29So, yeah, really, really happy to be here again and hopefully to add one more.
00:09:36Did you know if you win today, you'll be the very first person to win two Conference League finals?
00:09:42Mate, it's not, you know, it's not really easy in football to be the only one in something good.
00:09:50So, it could be unreal, mate.
00:09:52And to add to that, it will be Real Betis' very first European Cup.
00:09:57Like, how have you guys been preparing for this?
00:10:00Listen, most of things what happened this season had been the first time we did.
00:10:07So, it was the first time we passed to semi-finals, first time in a European final.
00:10:13So, we're just going to try to end the era.
00:10:18So, have you guys done anything different this time?
00:10:20Like, obviously, when we were doing it and we got to the final, the Gaffer did a nice little video for us.
00:10:26Like, with our families and stuff. Did the Gaffer do something for you guys?
00:10:29No, not really. I felt a lack of this because, you know, remember in West Ham they put in our rooms, our family things, flags from our countries.
00:10:40And here it was a bit different, but you already know the Gaffer.
00:10:45So, it's still been the same and I think this is part of his success.
00:10:50Alright, alright. So, is there anything that he's done to prepare you for the game?
00:10:56Well, we had the luck to see them playing against Nottingham.
00:11:03So, we were together trying to learn how they were playing, how they're going to do it.
00:11:09So, we are just ready for this moment.
00:11:13Alright, Pablo, it's been beautiful seeing you again.
00:11:15I love you, mate.
00:11:18Have you got my gift from me? Of course I have.
00:11:20I'm a Betis fan for today. It's been beautiful.
00:11:23Oh, brilliant stuff to see them reunited.
00:11:26And Mikel has nailed his colours to the mast.
00:11:29He's got the famous green and white there of that Betis strip.
00:11:33Well, we'll be revealing the starting line-ups after the break.
00:11:36Betis still one win away from their first European trophy in the club's history.
00:11:40as Chelsea's young stars look for their first silverware of the Maresca era.
00:11:50Chelsea have a European final to look forward to.
00:11:53I think there's always pressure when you pay for Chelsea, considering like we're a team and a club that's known for winning trophies.
00:11:59Like, anything can happen. So, finally, it doesn't matter who you play or where it is.
00:12:04To be in the finals is amazing, really. It's really great for me.
00:12:07When the young ones come on, just tell them to be confident, like, they won't be here if their manager didn't think they could play.
00:12:12Coming from so young, we've come all the way up to win a trophy for Chelsea. It's been amazing.
00:12:16Tyree George does it for Chelsea.
00:12:20I'm quite excited to see what it's going to be like. Some of the other stadiums that we've played in has been quite mad.
00:12:24So, I kind of like the atmosphere when it's started. It kind of like gives you more energy.
00:12:28I've seen him play a few times this season. He looked good. So, a bit of a game.
00:12:31Excitement. Ready to play. Ready to win it, really.
00:12:34It'll be big for the club, especially with the manager's first season.
00:12:37For all of us players to start with a trophy, it'll be good.
00:12:46Welcome back to the Conference League final here in Bratislav.
00:12:51What an evening we have in store with a European trophy on the line and a place in the history books for either of these sides.
00:12:58And it's a final which sees the master against the apprentice go head-to-head.
00:13:02Tonight is a reunion of two managers who go a long way back.
00:13:09A very good relation as a friend, of course. I know in the way he works, in the way he thinks.
00:13:13He works with me in Malaga as a player. He works with him in West Ham for two years.
00:13:17And we have also a relationship out of the pitch.
00:13:20The good thing about Manuel is that he's not going to change because he loves the football in one way.
00:13:26So, it's quite clear what they're going to do in the way they're going to do.
00:13:30He knows a lot of what we are going to do against them, but also me about the way Chelsea play.
00:13:36But that's not the action that will define the finals. It's the performance of the players in that game that will decide which team will win the cup.
00:13:45A month ago, speaking with Manuel, we were joking, we were laughing. We see each other in the final and at the end we are there.
00:13:51Delighted to be joined by Manuel Pellegrini. Manuel, we've heard about the relationship between yourself and Enzo Maresca.
00:14:01Does this make it slightly more an emotional game for you? Because he calls you his footballing dad.
00:14:07Do you call him your footballing son?
00:14:10Well, of course. But for me, the first step to win the game tonight is to see again.
00:14:16Because Marc Antonio was a very important player for us in West Ham and I have the honour to manage him for two years.
00:14:25Yeah. And Enzo isn't his footballing son. I'm his footballing son.
00:14:30But obviously with different egos and different personalities in the group, have you managed to keep the players that are getting excited, calm?
00:14:37And how do you manage to control the changing rooms?
00:14:39Yes, we try. We'll see what the player will do. But in Betis now is the first time that we are going to play a final.
00:14:46So it's not easy to manage that. But I am sure that from the first minute we will try to have the personality to win the game.
00:14:53Manuel, the fans, the Real Betis fans, they are in early. They are excited about this.
00:14:58This could be an historic night for the club. Do you sense that?
00:15:02Well, these fans are really unbelievable. Very similar for me and for West Ham.
00:15:06In West Ham, you always play with 50,000 people. And if you have a big stadium, you will play with 70,000.
00:15:12Here, the Betis fans are exactly the same. They go with our team in every part that we play.
00:15:19And in our stadium, it's always full. So they need to win this game for them.
00:15:26And just very quickly, what type of game are you anticipating tonight? What do you expect Chelsea to bring?
00:15:32Well, Enzo worked with me also in West Ham and was playing with me in Malaga.
00:15:37I think that both teams play in a very similar way, attacking teams that they both will try to go to the other side or to the other goal from the first minute.
00:15:47It's a difficult game because we play against a good team, but with all the personality to try to win it.
00:15:53Manuel, thank you so much. Best of luck tonight.
00:15:55Thanks to you. I'd like to see you. Thank you. Very good to see you.
00:15:59Thank you so much. It's a brilliant story, isn't it?
00:16:03Friends reunited for Mikel tonight. He's seeing everyone. Popular guy. Yeah, he is, yeah.
00:16:08But do you see much of Pellegrini's style in Maresca's style of play?
00:16:12Actually, actually not much. I think they're both obviously at different ends of the spectrum of where their careers are.
00:16:18Pellegrini's been a fantastic manager. His Manchester City team was brilliant.
00:16:23You know, and I remember from watching him being Chelsea, he still does it.
00:16:27Whenever they clear the line, they get up, they use the edge of the box as like a marker.
00:16:32Yeah. So that'd be something to look into because they get up and they do it.
00:16:35All these teams are very well organized with that. So Chelsea would try and play off of that and they'll try and maybe get them third man runs.
00:16:41It's come out. I would I would operate like that against him.
00:16:44Defensively, they look they look sound. I think their threat is in transition when they transition, you know, in numbers as well.
00:16:51They get players in the box. They get it wide. We know that they're going to Anthony, I'm sure later in the show.
00:16:55But they've got a real threat with pace going forward and getting numbers in the box.
00:17:01It's interesting, isn't it? Because this is such a big game for both of these sides.
00:17:05But is this by far and away Chelsea's biggest test in this competition?
00:17:09Oh, yeah, without doubt. Without doubt. I mean, you know, I've done every game.
00:17:13You know, there was the 8-0 against nowhere. The Shamrock Rovers like this tournament is was made.
00:17:18But, you know, to bring the football in European football in family together.
00:17:21And it ticks the box and it really does.
00:17:23Like we saw the fans coming to stand for bridge to these clubs like Gerd Gardens and having a great time.
00:17:27They're tasting high end European football, Premier League football.
00:17:30You know, but tonight is the first time Chelsea run into a team that could really cause a problem.
00:17:35Maresca said, didn't he, that's been one of his jobs this season is to get these players up for some of the games.
00:17:42Knowing that it's, you know, a midweek game. It's a European game. It's against lower opposition.
00:17:47He's weak in the scene. He's making changes. He's had to sort of drive them.
00:17:52It sounds mad, isn't it, when you say that you try and drive a Chelsea player for a European game.
00:17:57But he's had to do that and he's found the pressure in doing that.
00:17:59But this is going to be huge tonight. It's a great stadium.
00:18:01It's like a cauldron, the way it sits down into the turf.
00:18:04It's going to be a huge night for these youngsters as well.
00:18:07It certainly is. Let's have a look then at the Chelsea team that is starting this one.
00:18:11And it is five changes from that side that played at Forest. Jorgensen comes in to go as expected.
00:18:18Gusto comes in. Rhys James is on the bench. Chabala and Badrashili.
00:18:22And Nicholas Jackson, he comes back and he was suspended. What's your reaction to that, Joe?
00:18:26That is really, really interesting. You know, my eyes go to the centre-halves.
00:18:31Chalabra and Badrashili together. Look, I'm not a big fan of mixing it.
00:18:35You know, Levi Colwell has been playing very, very well.
00:18:37Tossin's come in and done okay as well. That's interesting.
00:18:40That's interesting. That really is. Rhys James being on the bench as well.
00:18:44You know, experiencing a big night.
00:18:46What you would say about Enzo is he's got it spot on in every time he's mixed the teams.
00:18:51Like, listen, you can't pick a Chelsea team now.
00:18:54The squad's so strong, you don't know who's going to start.
00:18:56So there will always be a few talking points.
00:18:58I like Chalabra. I like him. I like he's been brought back in.
00:19:02He's got a bit of still there. He's got a bit of experience as well.
00:19:05But yeah, I know you mean them partnerships.
00:19:07You want to keep them sort of fruition throughout the competition.
00:19:11Yeah, well, there's certainly plenty more talking points when it comes to that Chelsea team.
00:19:15We'll get to that in just a moment.
00:19:16But the atmosphere really starting to build here.
00:19:19It's a fun away day for the Chelsea fans.
00:19:21Next, after the break, we'll be joined by Enzo Maresca, who's never hidden his desire to win this trophy.
00:19:27One more push could his side turn a good season into a very good one.
00:19:31Now a new chapter, new squad, new club, will be a fantastic journey.
00:19:41Chelsea will be the favourite to win this competition.
00:19:44When you join a club like Chelsea, you know it's a club that has to win.
00:19:50Chelsea march on.
00:19:52We are happy in the way we start the conference here, but we need to continue.
00:19:56Six wins out of six for Enzo Maresca's side.
00:20:00We show how serious we are, how professional we are.
00:20:03They are in front.
00:20:05We can be the first club, the only club in the world winning all the European competition.
00:20:09That is something important for us, for the club, to give our fans another trophy.
00:20:25Welcome back to the Bratislav Stadium in Poland for the Conference League final.
00:20:29It is the crescendo of Chelsea's season.
00:20:32They have made light work of their maiden Conference League campaign so far.
00:20:36But this could end in European silver, where the Champions League beckons next season.
00:20:42But there is still plenty of work to be done before this campaign is over.
00:20:50We have relocated here down pitch side.
00:20:52Mikael joins us once again.
00:20:53Good to have you with us, Mikael.
00:20:54Thank you for having me.
00:20:55You are going to be doing the reporters out of a job soon.
00:20:58Hey, when I say to you, you can't join me in the rain right now.
00:21:01Being up there in the dry, coming out here all day in the rain.
00:21:05You are surviving well.
00:21:07I think Enzo Marescu is going to join us shortly.
00:21:09But let's just talk about the job he has done in this first season at Chelsea.
00:21:13What is your opinion on what he has managed to achieve so far?
00:21:15Well, I said at the start of the season, I thought he is at the hardest job in the Premier League.
00:21:20Because, you know, he had an expectant crowd.
00:21:23A club used to be at the very, very top.
00:21:25It was a huge squad of players that he had to wheel and deal.
00:21:29He had to have some awkward conversations with some big players at the club who have done things and moved them aside.
00:21:35You know, all in there.
00:21:36You know, navigate a conference league campaign.
00:21:38And I think he has been brilliant.
00:21:40I really do.
00:21:41And it has been a couple of moments when it looked like he was going off the rails and he brought it back.
00:21:45He motivated these players at the right time.
00:21:47And I think now, I think the fans are starting to think things are starting to look rosy again.
00:21:52And we know in football, things can go sideways very, very quickly.
00:21:55But I think for a first season at this club, he's been absolutely outstanding.
00:21:59He's been brave. That's what he's done.
00:22:00You know, he's gone straight in there.
00:22:01He's gone, right, these are my numbers. This is my squad.
00:22:03Like Joe said, he's had conversations with players.
00:22:06And you respect that because as a player as well, you want, you want to have the truth be told to you.
00:22:11Like if you're in or you're out.
00:22:12He could have easily had that luxury of going from one to the next and, you know, a mix and a match in.
00:22:16But he was brave. He's stuck to it.
00:22:17Pressures that he's had dealing with the players upstairs as well, competitions.
00:22:22For me, he's done magnificent.
00:22:23What I think is quality is the fact that they are the youngest team in Europe.
00:22:26And they've managed to reach where they are and do what they've done this season, getting to the Champions League.
00:22:32Enzo, I'm very nervous.
00:22:33So here he is. Enzo Varesca has joined us.
00:22:36The L-U-K.
00:22:37Enzo, thank you for your time.
00:22:39Thanks to you.
00:22:40You look very relaxed, are you?
00:22:42Say again, sorry.
00:22:43You look very relaxed, are you?
00:22:45Yeah, yeah. Anyway, we know it's a final and important game.
00:22:49But we try to prepare the game in the same way we have done all season.
00:22:53Enzo, you must have been really proud of the team at the weekend.
00:22:56It was a really mature performance, a lot of quality.
00:23:00And you must have looked at your team and been very, very proud of them.
00:23:03Yeah, absolutely.
00:23:04I think we start also to win games in ugly way.
00:23:08Yeah.
00:23:09That is something that probably at the beginning of the season we struggle a little bit.
00:23:12And yeah, in that kind of game, you need that.
00:23:15Forest away is a difficult pitch, you know better than me.
00:23:18So you need that.
00:23:19And we are very happy.
00:23:21Can I ask you, sorry, Michele.
00:23:22Can I ask you quickly, how difficult was it to pick the team tonight?
00:23:25Because so many good performances in this competition.
00:23:27The young players.
00:23:29Everyone's performed.
00:23:30The whole squad.
00:23:31So was it difficult to pick a star and 11 for the team tonight?
00:23:34Yeah, it's been very difficult, especially because I said to the boys,
00:23:38they all deserve to play this game.
00:23:40We went through six, seven different countries during the season to play games.
00:23:45And they all deserve.
00:23:47And today has been a little bit complicated for the first 11, but hopefully it's the right one.
00:23:52A lot of people talk down the conference.
00:23:54So how do you get your team up for it?
00:23:57Because obviously they're so used to being in the Champions League and the fans want to be in the Champions League.
00:24:01So how are you going to get your team up for the game?
00:24:03Yeah, yeah.
00:24:04I said that many, many times this season, we would like to play Champions League or Europa League.
00:24:09But we are in the conference.
00:24:11It's where we are now.
00:24:12And we need to try to win that competition that I try to convince the player that for us this season was the most important competition.
00:24:19It's because it's the competition that we are playing.
00:24:22Enzo, how important is it to win this trophy tonight in terms of the group of players with the journey that they're on now?
00:24:28We know obviously Chelsea is prolific in winning trophies.
00:24:31But for this journey where their players are, how important is tonight in winning tonight?
00:24:35Yeah, it's very important.
00:24:36It's very important because it can be a starting point, you know, to come back winning and fighting for titles.
00:24:43And hopefully we can get it.
00:24:46What about you personally tonight, Enzo?
00:24:48Coming up against Manuel Pellegrini, you know him very well.
00:24:52How do you beat his team?
00:24:54Yeah, we know each other very well.
00:24:57I said already during the week, for me, if I am where I am today, it's also because of Manuel.
00:25:04I tried to learn many things with him.
00:25:06We were together with Antonio and hopefully we can win.
00:25:11Football is funny like that, right?
00:25:13So you've had your journey with Manuel and now tonight your first major European final as a manager up against him.
00:25:20Will you share a glass of red wine, win or lose after the game with Manuel?
00:25:23Yeah, for sure. I saw him yesterday before the session. We were talking about this. He's going to try to win the game. I'm going to try to win the game. And then at the end nothing changed.
00:25:33Having such a young squad, obviously there's not going to be a lot of experience out there in the Cup Final. So how are you going to get someone to take the lead without being on the field?
00:25:42The reason why I was so happy after the Nottingham game is because, yes, we are probably the youngest squad in the Premier League, but also we need to show that we are mature.
00:25:55They are men and I think they have done this during the season. And tonight is one more test.
00:26:01How proud are you with the way your players have handled being favourites for this competition? Because it's not always easy to perform when you're expected.
00:26:09Yeah, you are the favourite but you have to play the game. And today in football it's very easy to drop if you underestimate the other team, if you are not focused, if you are not 100%.
00:26:20And the reason why also I'm happy that we are here is because we show that we are serious. We have been serious through the season.
00:26:27It's a big night for you, Enzo. Could be your first trophy as a Chelsea manager. Good luck. Thank you for joining us.
00:26:32Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. All the best.
00:26:34Good luck, boss. Good luck. Good luck. Thank you.
00:26:36What a night then. Enzo Maresca there, the Chelsea manager. What a night it could be for him and his players.
00:26:41And you have to say, Italian managers have done pretty well. Yes.
00:26:45And they've managed Chelsea in cup finals because, well, they come with a very, very high stock.
00:26:50Here's just a screenshot, really, of what everyone has been able to achieve.
00:26:54Gianluca Viale, Claudio Ranieri. Ranieri didn't win any cups, but he is a huge, huge favourite.
00:27:00Carlo Ancelotti, Roberto Di Matteo, Antonio Conte and Maurizio Sarri.
00:27:05Yes, and anyone who's been down the Kings Road and known how many Italian restaurants there are as well,
00:27:09these Italian managers, they have a very, very nice time in Chelsea.
00:27:13They get looked after, they get all the best tables.
00:27:15It's just the club, Italy, Chelsea, you think Zola, it's always worked.
00:27:21There's something about it, the culture at the club.
00:27:24And I think I've spoke to Enzo many, many times during the season,
00:27:27and that's the most relaxed I've ever seen him.
00:27:29You know, I think he's got his team where he wants them now.
00:27:32You know, like the performance at the weekend was excellent, you know,
00:27:38because I was concerned as someone who's watching his team grow,
00:27:41because the city grounds are a tough, tough game.
00:27:43And you just, I think all of these fans in here tonight were so happy
00:27:46with how the team performed and stood up.
00:27:48I think you look at the pressure that he's been under in terms of now having a clean sweep,
00:27:55you know, to break the record in terms of all the European trophies.
00:27:58He looks so calm, and that will resonate with all them players in there.
00:28:02Because you've got to remember, with the inexperience in that dressing,
00:28:04and some have lifted silverware, there's a lot that haven't.
00:28:07So they're going to be right up for this, but you have to control their emotions.
00:28:10He looks really calm.
00:28:12So he looks calm.
00:28:13The manager, you can hear the noise behind us.
00:28:14It's starting to get really, really loud.
00:28:16The manager is calm.
00:28:17Let's get an insight from the players' perspective then,
00:28:20because Noni Madweke is with me.
00:28:23Noni, I imagine with Champions League football already secured,
00:28:26you all arrive here with just a really good feeling in the group.
00:28:30Yeah, no, definitely.
00:28:31It was a tough game versus Nottingham Forest on the weekend,
00:28:34but we're delighted to have got that out of the way.
00:28:37And we reached our goal in the Premier League,
00:28:39and now we're trying to reach another goal of ours,
00:28:41which is to win this tournament.
00:28:42Well, if you do win this, then you'd win the full set of UEFA trophies.
00:28:45You'd be the first club ever to do that.
00:28:47Is that some sort of motivation for you all tonight?
00:28:50Yeah, definitely.
00:28:51The final's motivation enough, but of course we want to make history.
00:28:54We feel like we're part of a historic club,
00:28:56so it'd be fitting to do that tonight.
00:28:58Look, Real Betis, they are littered with experience and really good players.
00:29:02Is this the toughest game you've faced in this competition so far?
00:29:05Yeah, no, I feel like any final, the finals,
00:29:08is always going to be the most difficult game.
00:29:10They're a good side with a lot of good players, like you said,
00:29:13and a lot of experience, but we know what we're capable of
00:29:15and we're going out there to win the game.
00:29:17And just lastly, any insight into the pre-match build-up for this?
00:29:20Have there been motivational chats?
00:29:21Have you watched videos?
00:29:22Is there anything different?
00:29:24No, I think we've been very relaxed in the build-up.
00:29:27We build up like it was any other game,
00:29:30and yeah, we trust in each other
00:29:32and we're going to go out there and try and do the job.
00:29:34So, Noni, thank you so much. Best of luck.
00:29:36Thanks.
00:29:37Well, they do look very relaxed, don't they, the Chelsea camp?
00:29:40You have to say that's the manager, Ann Maduecki,
00:29:42looking really, really good.
00:29:44Let's have a look then at what they're up against tonight then,
00:29:47because Manuel Pellegrini brings his Real Betis side here,
00:29:50knowing that not only are they in the Europa League next season already,
00:29:54but they can make history by securing a European trophy for the first time in the club's history.
00:30:01This is the team that he has named and the familiar names in there to fans of the Premier League,
00:30:07the likes of Anthony, Isco, Fornals, All-Star.
00:30:10There's no surprises in this side as far as Manuel Pellegrini is concerned.
00:30:15Anthony has been sensational. We'll touch on him later.
00:30:18But what about Isco? And I mean, Mickie, let's start with that first.
00:30:23How highly do you rate that side?
00:30:25I think it's unbelievable. I think there's so much experience there.
00:30:28So many people have been in that squad that's won stuff.
00:30:31So I feel like them doing that can carry it forward.
00:30:33And when they're on the pitch under pressure, they have that experience to stay calm
00:30:37and know that they can win something and still come back.
00:30:39You talk about winning stuff. I mean, Isco, he's 33 now, but he has been there, done it and seen it all, hasn't he?
00:30:45Yeah, he's a top player. Really excited.
00:30:47But when I look at that team, I think of the technical ability and this man encapsulates that.
00:30:52He gets on the pocket. Lovely way to pass.
00:30:54You know, he's been at the very, very top around Madrid and won things and been around them since.
00:30:59But he plays in the pocket. It's beautiful.
00:31:01He picks up great positions. But what I like about it, he obviously can play in the tight, you know, that Spanish player.
00:31:06But all these clips here, he's in space.
00:31:09And when a good player can just get into space, that doesn't necessarily mean that he's got to roam around.
00:31:12Sometimes just standing still is the best key.
00:31:14He's got an eye for goal. He gets in the box. Look, still got an engine in him.
00:31:18He knows where the cutbacks are, the areas to get on the scoring sheet.
00:31:21He could be pivotal tonight. Give him time and space. He could be deadly.
00:31:25Yeah, he knows how to handle a European final as well.
00:31:27Before we move on, just finally, you've spoken to Fornals, you've spoken to Pellegrini.
00:31:31Are you getting a sense of just the enormity of what winning this cup would mean to Betis and their fans?
00:31:37It's massive. First ever European cup that they could ever have.
00:31:40Like, Manuel just said, like, the fan base is just unbelievable.
00:31:43Reminds them of the West Ham fans, which is massive.
00:31:46So it's just today is such an important day for them because obviously it's something new, something fresh.
00:31:52These players can be out there and now become club legends because it's something for a first time for a club.
00:31:57So I feel like I'm a Betis fan today.
00:32:01Say that by the jersey. We need to get a Chelsea shirt.
00:32:03I've got a jersey. I've got a jersey. Pablo gave me a jersey.
00:32:06I might have to split them up later. I might have to split them up.
00:32:11But yeah, there's no doubting just what this means to Real Betis.
00:32:14I mentioned that they're already into the Europa League for next season.
00:32:17But tonight it is all about making history.
00:32:20It is all about lifting this trophy.
00:32:23And tonight is a great chance for that history to be made.
00:32:27It is a special day for the fans, a special day for the players, including one in particular.
00:32:34I am a player who has a great chance.
00:32:44He's got absolutely everything.
00:32:46And I don't know how you defend against him.
00:32:48When he's happy and when he's happy, things come out.
00:32:51And I think everything comes out well.
00:32:53A flop in Manchester.
00:32:54A hit in Seville.
00:32:56Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.
00:32:58The Anthony Redemption takes on a European flavor.
00:33:03Anthony finds the corner of the goal.
00:33:06What an inspired signing Anthony is craving to be.
00:33:10As I said, I feel very happy to be able to win.
00:33:13Here's the Brazilian again.
00:33:15He's going for four.
00:33:17We all knew about his quality, his level.
00:33:21It's not good when he's playing.
00:33:23The second time he does!
00:33:27Could he ever have hit that heavy cleaner?
00:33:30When I arrive, it's to win.
00:33:32It's to be playing for great things.
00:33:34What an impact he is making! Anthony Reborn!
00:33:40And now we have a very important final here.
00:33:45We're very excited.
00:33:46It's something we can do here in the Betis.
00:33:50Anthony finds the edge.
00:33:53He cannot stop scoring.
00:33:55Well, so we continue.
00:33:57The man for the big moment.
00:34:00And then he's waiting to preview down his run.
00:34:03He's taking this chance to get his career going again.
00:34:06He's in goal scoring form at the moment.
00:34:09The best of his career.
00:34:11I'm saying what I like most, which is football.
00:34:27I can remember it now.
00:34:29I'll never forget it.
00:34:31It was Gerrard!
00:34:33He's still shaking his head in disbelief.
00:34:35Miracles are possible!
00:34:37I knew that we were into the heads.
00:34:39The commitment of the players, the passion everywhere.
00:34:42It was amazing.
00:34:43You were waiting for this moment.
00:34:45Holy life.
00:34:46Twenty years on.
00:34:47I'm still not sure I can really explain how we did it.
00:34:50The European Cup is returning to Anfield!
00:34:53But I can try.
00:34:54Well, it was a magical night, wasn't it, in Istanbul 20 years ago.
00:35:08And this is an opportunity, of course, to send our best wishes to all of those connected with Liverpool at this time.
00:35:16Here in Bratislava, though, Chelsea are 700 miles from the home comforts of Stamford Bridge and they're in a place they've not yet been and playing for a trophy they have not yet won.
00:35:30It's a huge night there. Players coming out to warm up.
00:35:34What a time this is for Chelsea.
00:35:37We've spoken so much about this competition, what it means, what it means to the players, what it means to the fans and just where it sits within the context of this football club.
00:35:48Joe, we've said it before, haven't we? It's a European trophy. Any trophy when you're a Chelsea player is one you want to win.
00:35:55Any trophy ever when you're a footballer. You know, there's too much of this people like saying about the Conference League or the League Cup.
00:36:02As a group of professional footballers, to come together and go all the way in a competition and win it, it's a real achievement.
00:36:08You know, the margins are so small to win football games and they're getting smaller.
00:36:12So these lads have to be on it every single day.
00:36:14It feels like a huge football match now. I mean, we're on the pitch. We're in this cauldron.
00:36:19You can see the fans, the excitement. We've seen the atmosphere today in the town centre.
00:36:25You know, these players will feel that even though they're in their hotel, they'll feel the pressure and the willingness to get out there and start playing.
00:36:33We're on the pitch. We're standing almost at the centre circle where this match will be taking place.
00:36:40It's a phenomenal atmosphere from this perspective, isn't it?
00:36:43Ah, it's beautiful. I mean, this is every time I step on the pitch, Sid's I know probably the same.
00:36:48In a game like this and I see this, I just, I curse my life. I don't want to be old. I want to be young.
00:36:53I just get them feelings. You know, you remember stepping out here when you're getting ready, you get your mind focused.
00:37:00You smell the grass and you hear the noise. You might catch a glimpse of some of your family.
00:37:04You know where they're sitting in the stadium and you just, the excitement's too much.
00:37:08Only a few players get to experience a European Cup final being, like as you say, being on this pitch now.
00:37:13And, you know, you've got a grasp of opportunity. You know, you've got a chance to win silverware.
00:37:18A European trophy is huge for these boys.
00:37:20And the noise behind us is because Real Betis have come out to warm up.
00:37:24So if you're in any doubt as to who has the majority of the stadium this evening, it is certainly the Real Betis fans.
00:37:31They are in fine voice. They have flags. They have everything here to support their team.
00:37:36And it shows you just what it would mean if they can get this first ever European trophy.
00:37:43For Chelsea, though, very much business as usual for them.
00:37:47They want to complete the European set. Five changes for Enzo Maresco.
00:37:50We touched on it earlier on.
00:37:52Nicholas Jackson is back. He was suspended in the Premier League. He is back.
00:37:57And I thought it was interesting that Enzo said he owes his teammates a performance after being sent home.
00:38:04Again, when you're a manager, use your job to figure out how, you know, your only job is to win the game.
00:38:09And you might use, you know, motivation.
00:38:12That lad, Nicholas Jackson, would have been sick with himself after the moment in Newcastle.
00:38:17You know, it's a moment. Young players, it happens. You make mistakes.
00:38:21And he missed a crucial part of the season. But he's been so good.
00:38:25And when he's in the team, he can do things like this. He can stretch the play.
00:38:29He presses, you know, he's one of them players. You know, Mikel would tell you, like, he's very similar in that you want him on your team.
00:38:37He's hustle and bustle, isn't he?
00:38:39You're impressed by him, aren't you?
00:38:40I'm very impressed by him. When he first came, he thought he was a little bit rash.
00:38:43Some bad decisions. But this season, he's kind of come into himself and scoring a lot of goals at the beginning of the season.
00:38:49The only thing that kind of ruined this season was his injury. But right now he's come back, scored a couple of goals again.
00:38:55He's just kind of started where he's left off. And I think he's got equality.
00:38:59He's holding up play. He's kind of like bringing the team together. He's definitely starting to bring everything.
00:39:04It's like becoming the full parcel.
00:39:06I think Maresca's probably said about him owing a performance. It's just in the manner of the way he got sent off.
00:39:11You know, it's very rash of the heat of the moment sort of thing.
00:39:15But, you know, with his link-up play with Cole Palmer, you need these on these nights.
00:39:19You need your big players to turn up. He's Chelsea's big plays. He's a go-to man. He scores the goals.
00:39:23He leads the line really well. Sets the tone. The link-up tonight will be key.
00:39:28Look, Sid, you know, I'm very interested in the manager's choice of words. And he owes you. And he must know the character.
00:39:33Because I'm thinking, I've had that moment when, you know, you've let your team down or something.
00:39:37And a manager puts it on you at half-time. You know, if you're walking in, you're going,
00:39:40Sorry, lads. Sorry, lads. Sorry, go and win us the game.
00:39:43You sort of judge me. I need to do something today.
00:39:45So he knows that with his relationship with him.
00:39:47Yeah, definitely. And especially today, I think the first ten minutes are going to be very important, very key.
00:39:51And like you said, he presses the ball. He powers that pressure.
00:39:54And it's one of those things where you can't let a team start high.
00:39:57You've got to get into their faces quite early to set your tone.
00:40:00So when you get on the ball, you have to start playing well.
00:40:02Big games require big players, big performances.
00:40:05Cole Parma was sensational last season.
00:40:07He's found it a bit more challenging this time.
00:40:09But again, big games like this is his opportunity to step up, isn't it?
00:40:16Yes, 100%.
00:40:17Like, obviously, he's coming back in.
00:40:19Gaffer has shown his trust in him that he can come in and play the big game in the final.
00:40:23So he wants him to believe that he's going to do it.
00:40:26He really believes that he'll get a winner.
00:40:28You never know.
00:40:29Obviously, I'm a Betis fan for today.
00:40:31So he'll get one and then Betis maybe get two.
00:40:34He's still got 15 goals, eight assists there.
00:40:36We see his stats come up.
00:40:37So it's just the levels that he's set.
00:40:39For me, where Chelsea win the game tonight is where they're getting in pockets.
00:40:42Either side of Fournails or Cordosa.
00:40:45Meduayki, Neto, Cole Parma getting in them side pockets.
00:40:50Get on the half-turner and trying to get Jackson in behind.
00:40:52That's where Chelsea win the game.
00:40:54It's definitely going to be exciting.
00:40:55I feel like there's going to be loads of opportunities, loads of chances today.
00:40:58Obviously, with Real Betis in their forward line and Chelsea in their forward line,
00:41:01it's going to be loads of chances and it's going to be an exciting game for me.
00:41:04Talk about the Chelsea forward line.
00:41:06Real Betis, well, more like a winger, but Anthony, he's on loan from Manchester United
00:41:11and his form since going, it has been absolutely sensational.
00:41:17But you have to say that, you know, in the past couple of days,
00:41:21he's done an interview where to say it's heartfelt is really something of an understatement
00:41:26because he gave a really emotional interview with our friends at TNT Sports Brazil
00:41:31on his time at Manchester United.
00:41:36The things are going to change.
00:41:38I even get excited because it was very difficult for me these days.
00:41:43I just know how it was inside my house,
00:41:48not to have any strength to play with my son,
00:41:52to have days to stay without eating, to stay in the room.
00:41:57That's a really hard watch, isn't it? And the first time we've really had an insight into what he personally went to.
00:42:02Yeah, and you know what, right? The redemption and what he's done at Real Betis is a credit to him.
00:42:06You know, his mentality, he's, you know, how...
00:42:08He was in there.
00:42:09Yeah. He thought he was going to flick it on, does he? I was ready for the knockdowns.
00:42:13No, like, the way that he's turned his career around and back here, you know, you've got loads of respect for him.
00:42:18He's very emotional there, you know, and it's an insight for people at home, you know, and fans, because everyone gets, you know, tribal and, you know, he was mocked.
00:42:31He was mocked at Manchester United and, you know, and listen, he's a multi-million pound footballer and that, but there's a human being in there, you know, and he felt it.
00:42:51And what I would say is he should be very proud of what he's done this season, regardless of what happens tonight.
00:42:57I still want him to be on the losing side, though.
00:43:00He's back to his very best, though, isn't he? Like, this is the form here that got him, you know, to science for Manchester United.
00:43:06You know, he's just literally playing with just, the shackles are off, no care.
00:43:11He's just, you know, flicks, assists, just like, it's like nonchalant.
00:43:15You know, when you're playing, when you're in that sort of mould, anything can go, Joe.
00:43:19Like, you've been there with a flair player, you've got someone like Mikel running behind.
00:43:23You just know where they are.
00:43:25Yeah. It's just effortless.
00:43:26Like, one thing as a footballer, the best footballer that you play is when you're not overly thinking about it.
00:43:31Yeah. And you can see right now that he's just playing freely.
00:43:34Like, this goal, exactly, literally, with his left, falling to his right, he's like, you know what?
00:43:39Bang, I'm going to hit because he's got the confidence as well inside him.
00:43:42So, like, it's been so good for him and it's been unbelievable.
00:43:45Yeah. He's going to be their go-to man tonight on that right-hand side.
00:43:48When he comes inside and he shoots at left foot, we just see there two of them.
00:43:51Well, he's going to whip one of them in the far corner and he's given the eyes as well, whipped it into the near corner.
00:43:54Interesting. The match-up on that side, Cuccarella against Anthony, is going to be crucial.
00:43:58Because Cuccarella's as good as they're going, getting tight, and Anthony's is tricky.
00:44:02I think that could be a very crucial area of the pitch.
00:44:05And add into all of this, it could be Anthony's farewell.
00:44:08It could be a swan song. Technically, he goes back to Manchester United at the end of the season.
00:44:12Betis would love to keep him, but they're struggling to come up with the finances for that.
00:44:16That could be a real motivation for him to go out on a high, couldn't it?
00:44:19Oh, 100%. Obviously, he's enjoyed his time here. We don't know what he feels.
00:44:24We don't know if he wants to go back to United or if he wants to stay here.
00:44:26Obviously, Betis are struggling to get the finances, like you just said.
00:44:29But to leave on a high, we'll leave on a trophy after all the struggles he's been through at United.
00:44:34Like, you saw the emotion in this interview. Like, it's just something to show that how people can just turn their lives around.
00:44:40And I think it would be a great event for him and a great time for him to leave here with a trophy.
00:44:46Just being just on a human level, isn't it? Just being on a human level, just seeing him with a smile on his face.
00:44:51You know, because obviously people think footballers, you know, it's a great lifestyle, it's a fantastic job.
00:44:55But, you know, when you go away from the training ground and games and you go back to your home, you know, it is hard.
00:44:59So, great to see him back.
00:45:01It sounds like you want him to win too.
00:45:02A couple of Chels.
00:45:05I don't know how we're going to control Michele if Real Betis win.
00:45:08About Chelsea though, they very much have their eyes on the prize because those in blue are far more accustomed to these trips to watch their team play in a European final.
00:45:19And they've seen them win the last four after the break.
00:45:22We'll discuss more players who the fans are looking to be the difference makers tonight.
00:45:32It's Chelsea who are back in the Champions League.
00:45:37It's Chelsea who are back in the Champions League.
00:45:41We achieved an important target for this club and we are happy.
00:45:44I didn't have any doubt. The doubt was from outside.
00:45:49They were saying that we are too young.
00:45:56We are not good enough.
00:45:59They were waiting for Villa draw points.
00:46:02I'm sure the Aston Villa's Champions League dreams are over.
00:46:07Oh, he loved it.
00:46:08Absolutely loved it.
00:46:09They were saying that we were not able to win in this pitch.
00:46:12That could well be enough for Chelsea.
00:46:15Unfortunately for them, they have been all wrong.
00:46:18In English how you say it?
00:46:21Eh? To all of them.
00:46:30So some choice words there from Enzo Mareska.
00:46:32He silenced his critics so far with that Champions League qualification.
00:46:36He wants to silence them even further by getting a first European trophy in the cabinet tonight.
00:46:43And he's made some big calls when he has selected his side for this one this evening.
00:46:49Five changes from the team that started against Nottingham first.
00:46:52Nicholas Jackson, he returns from domestic suspension to lead the line.
00:46:57Can he chip in with an almighty important goal for Chelsea this evening?
00:47:02Well, time will tell.
00:47:04Another big call for the manager is that Rhys James is on the bench.
00:47:08Justo is starting at right back, keeping Rhys James out of that side.
00:47:13And in goal, 11 of the 12 Conference League games, Jorgensen has started in goal.
00:47:19And he's been given the nod once again for this one tonight.
00:47:23Well, let's see then how the Chelsea fans here in Wroclaw are feeling as the club bid to end their season on a positive note and return home with a trophy.
00:47:45TNT Sports' very own Kenny All-Star has been keeping them entertained with a DJ set in the fan zone.
00:47:51And afterwards, he calls up with some fellow blues.
00:47:57What's good my beautiful people? Kenny All-Star here in the Chelsea fan zone ahead of the UEFA-Europa Conference League final.
00:48:05Chelsea, Real Batiste is about to go down. I'm in here. TNT Sports is in here. Let's have a blue party. Let's go!
00:48:18I mean, if we win the Conference League, it's enough of close to me. But then we can think we won it all.
00:48:24Do you know what makes this final so great? When we win this, we'll be the first to complete the set.
00:48:32Yeah, we've won it all! With Chelsea, of course, we'll win it all!
00:48:35We've won it all! We've won it all! Thiago Silva!
00:48:45How confident are we feeling?
00:48:47Oh, I'm very confident, mate. Obviously, going to a cup final, you're going to have that nerves, right?
00:48:52Because anything can happen. But this club has a history of getting the titles in.
00:48:57And I reckon we're going to be comfortable today. I think it's going to come back.
00:49:02I'm going to see the Real Betis fans try when they lose!
00:49:05That's what makes us the best club in London. Because we brought home the Champions League!
00:49:11This is the first one in London. We have the second one in London. The only one in London.
00:49:15The only one!
00:49:17London is blue and will always be blue.
00:49:18I shouldn't be biased, but I'm biased today. Who have you got in the back? Turn around. Let me see who's on the back. Who's on the back?
00:49:24Of course! The man! The legend! Lidia Jogba!
00:49:29Chelsea fans make some noise!
00:49:33You've got to be in it to win it. Chelsea look like they're about to complete the set.
00:49:38I'm going back to party. So, yeah. I'm going to love you and leave you. I love you, TNT.
00:49:45Up to Chelsea!
00:49:47Oh, brilliant stuff. A party atmosphere there now. Will it be post-match? Because this is what they're playing for. Look at the size of it as well.
00:50:00You are the only one that's lifted this. Is it as heavy as it looks?
00:50:04It is heavy.
00:50:06How are these guns?
00:50:08I was speaking about getting one, a replica in my house. I realised they probably break the shell, so I've got a mini-skill one.
00:50:13A miniature. Perfect. You can get them down the square, I think, as well, if any new boys want to pick one up.
00:50:19Let's talk then about some of the more of the key players for Chelsea, because Chris James is on the bench,
00:50:25which means that Mareska has gone with that Fernandes-Caicedo partnership in midfield.
00:50:29And you believe, Doctor, that Caicedo is such a crucial cog in this Chelsea machine.
00:50:35He's been absolutely brilliant. He come here with a massive price tag, and I think it weighed heavily on him.
00:50:39You know, some players, you know, when they go to a club and then they feel the extra responsibility,
00:50:44start trying to become something they're not. He seems to have reset somewhere during last season.
00:50:50And I said it earlier on, I think between two boxes, he's the best midfielder in the league.
00:50:55He breaks the ball up, play. He wins balls he shouldn't win. He plays through the lines.
00:50:59You know, he's the closest thing I've seen to N'Golo Kante. He's been absolutely brilliant.
00:51:04And he's only going to get better. He looks like one of them players.
00:51:07When you're standing next to him, Sid, Michel, you're like, yeah, you're on my team.
00:51:11We're ready to go. He's been their best player this season by an absolute mile.
00:51:15He's been their go-to man. He's steady. He's consistent. He's got the player of the season.
00:51:19He struggled last season. He came out, he'd done an interview. He said it was tough.
00:51:24You know, the move to London, the pressures of playing for Chelsea, the price tag.
00:51:28It was a really open interview. He's come on now and he's literally just taken the ball.
00:51:32Yeah, he's the best midfielder in the league by a mile.
00:51:35I think the price tag is always going to affect people because obviously you feel like you need to prove why the clubs pay for you that much.
00:51:40Whereas when you come and you say that's the price tag, you're thinking I can come in, I can just show myself.
00:51:44But when someone's paying a high amount for you, you need to go, this is why they've done it.
00:51:50But at the end of the day, they paid that money for what you've done.
00:51:52So all you need to do is keep doing what you've done.
00:51:54How good is he when you're on the pitch playing against him?
00:51:57I mean, you've had that privilege, but you know, just an insight into when you know as a team you're coming up against a player such as him.
00:52:04Yeah, obviously he is quality. Like you said, he likes to break things up. He's always in the right position.
00:52:08For such a young man, he constantly knows where to be.
00:52:10So like, it's so good at, like you said, breaking it up, keeping it going, keeping it going.
00:52:16And also, it's not just that he's ticking it on and moving it all sideways.
00:52:20He's flying the ball into the strikers and stuff like that.
00:52:22So as a midfielder, for you to be quality, you need to get the ball forward, be able to carry your team up the pitch as well.
00:52:28So those are the points that he's bringing.
00:52:30And like you said, they said up there were the best in the Premier League or the best midfield in the Premier League.
00:52:36Like they watch football more than me.
00:52:37It's high praise indeed. It certainly is.
00:52:40We spoke earlier about Cucurella's defensive duties, but just how important is he when Chelsea are going forward?
00:52:46It's another one. A revelation coming, you know, and he had a very, very difficult start.
00:52:50He plays this role. I don't even know. It's not even a false two.
00:52:54And since that's where he comes into midfield, he pops up in the 10th, the deceptive three, the slippery two.
00:53:01I don't know what it is, but he's popping up all over the park.
00:53:04You know, even like he's got his seven goals. I think this year, he's a brilliant, brilliant player and a winner.
00:53:09The one thing I'll say to him is he's very, very good at everything. But what is his superpower is, he's a winner.
00:53:16I bet he's one of them people, like if he's playing Monopoly or Cluedo or anything, he's winning. And like you want him in your team, he's a proper player as well.
00:53:22What I like about him, he's deceivingly tricky. Like, when someone beats him, he doesn't let them get away.
00:53:29He holds them a little, just a little, like, little, like, sneaky tricks in football that he keeps on doing, which you wouldn't really expect from him.
00:53:35He's also got the dark arts, you know, he's one of them.
00:53:38And that's slowly going out of the game, you know, and he's got that.
00:53:42And John White, because he's a winner, like what Colby said, he'd be desperate to get his hands on that trophy after this game.
00:53:48And he's another one that has totally changed perception, hasn't he?
00:53:51Hasn't he? He's almost gone for himself.
00:53:54And it's a hard thing to do in football, with football fans.
00:53:57Football fans, sometimes, because they're passionate and they're engaged, they make their mind up and they don't want to be wrong.
00:54:04But I think Chelsea fans are bright enough and says, well, we was wrong about Kuglorella.
00:54:09And they absolutely love him. You know, he's a leader.
00:54:13He does everything well.
00:54:15I'm really pleased with him, but he's got a big job tonight up against Anthony.
00:54:18If anything, he's the most important job on the pitch.
00:54:21The atmosphere in here is absolutely sensational.
00:54:24When it comes to finals, if you talk about who wants to win more, who has the edge tonight for you?
00:54:30For me, whoever, for me, I'm going to say Real Betis because obviously this is their very ever first European club.
00:54:39So for them, they'll probably want to win more.
00:54:40Chelsea are not really wanting to be in the conference anyway.
00:54:44So obviously now being in the final, they're definitely going to be like, it's another trophy for silverware to end the season on a high.
00:54:50But for me, Real Betis is going to want to take it, want to win it.
00:54:53Come on, Pablo.
00:54:54Well, if you could bottle the enthusiasm these Betis fans have, you may just be onto something here.
00:55:01What a night we have in store.
00:55:03This trophy is what they're playing for and the fans could not be more enthusiastic.
00:55:08Will Chelsea's first conference league campaign ending glory?
00:55:12What a way to finish the season by securing for Champions League football on Sunday and then getting their hands on a trophy.
00:55:19Or will it belong to Real Betis?
00:55:21Either way, kick off is on the way very shortly.
00:55:24Chelsea back in the Champions League.
00:55:39Chelsea back where we belong.
00:55:42This club has to win trophies the fans expected.
00:55:44We've gone through two, three years of struggle.
00:55:46This will be the first step to getting us back on track.
00:55:49Absolutely critical.
00:55:50Chelsea running wild.
00:55:52Bang, bang, like we've covered it.
00:55:54It's just massive to get in the field with Fats are back in the floor.
00:55:57Amazing!
00:55:58Chelsea march on.
00:55:59It's been a good season.
00:56:00To win a trophy as well, just top it all off.
00:56:03Our DNA is trophies.
00:56:05Winning trophies becomes a habit.
00:56:07We're here and now we've got to do the business.
00:56:09Come on, the Chels.
00:56:14Well, that is what it means.
00:56:15Look at the Chelsea fans in all of their glory.
00:56:20Cheering on their side here before a ball has been kicked.
00:56:24It is almost time for kick off.
00:56:28Mikel, you were here in 2020.
00:56:30You were in the Conference League final with Guetta.
00:56:33What sort of messaging was going on in the dressing room just now,
00:56:36five, ten minutes ahead of kick off?
00:56:38Basically, the guy used to say to us,
00:56:40all the hard work for you to get here is now to finish the job.
00:56:43You go out there, you give it all.
00:56:45You go out there, you give it all to finish the job.
00:56:47You do it for you, not just for your family and everybody.
00:56:50The Gaffer actually made us a video of our families going up
00:56:54and literally saying good luck to us.
00:56:56It was something that really got to us
00:56:58and pushed us more to one go out and then win it.
00:57:00And that's what it's about, isn't it?
00:57:02It's about using all of your own personal motivations
00:57:05to then transfer that into a performance.
00:57:07What's very crucial moments are these big games, finals, semi-finals.
00:57:12You stick to your routine.
00:57:14I always found it helped me.
00:57:15I had the same thing, you know, the same thoughts,
00:57:17the same self-talk.
00:57:19You know, I always, one thing,
00:57:21every time I stepped onto a football pitch,
00:57:22I would make sure I said to myself, I'm lucky to be here.
00:57:25I remember that kid who wanted to be out here playing football in these big games.
00:57:28I'll go out there and I'll just try and relax and enjoy it.
00:57:31I mean, this atmosphere here is incredible.
00:57:33This is not just any game of football.
00:57:35This is a European final.
00:57:37And it's all the pomp and fanfare that goes with it,
00:57:40that the players and management have to manage.
00:57:42You've got to soak in the atmosphere.
00:57:43With any final, in terms of the game plan,
00:57:45you need your best players on the ball.
00:57:47You'll get them on the ball in the right areas
00:57:49and then it's down to him to find the right pass.
00:57:51And then you've got a striker that's going to be clinical,
00:57:53but it's going to be game over.
00:57:55Great atmosphere, though. It's incredible.
00:57:57It's incredible.
00:57:58I don't know about you, but I can't hear it myself.
00:58:00It's a little sensational.
00:58:01It's sensational.
00:58:02Great atmosphere.
00:58:03I mean, the bottom line is,
00:58:05how do you treat this like any other game?
00:58:07How easy is that to do as a player?
00:58:09I think, you know, like there's certain players,
00:58:11like we was lucky we had Didio Drogba in our era.
00:58:14He just seemed to grow two or three inches in a final.
00:58:16There's something in mentality.
00:58:17Some players are just born to be for this stage.
00:58:20And you're hoping tonight is someone like Cole Palmer.
00:58:23You know, big games, you know,
00:58:24we come on for England in the Euros and just bang one in.
00:58:27You know, there's nothing amazing.
00:58:29You want characters like that in games like this.
00:58:31You have to keep your composure.
00:58:33A hundred percent.
00:58:34Obviously, like you just said,
00:58:35Cole Palmer and then Real Betis, they've got Isto.
00:58:38Like, this game's going to be exciting.
00:58:40This game, everyone's going to be up for it.
00:58:42I feel like, I feel like Real Betis, obviously,
00:58:45want to win it for the very first time.
00:58:47But obviously, like,
00:58:48the young boys who've never won anything at Chelsea
00:58:50that are going to be pushing before they want to win medals.
00:58:52If somebody put footballers go for their career
00:58:54without winning anything,
00:58:55there's a great opportunity for them to win one.
00:58:57It certainly is.
00:58:58A European trophy up for grabs.
00:59:00Hugely important to the players and fans alike.
00:59:03And you can see from the display on the pitch,
00:59:05it is a phenomenal atmosphere out here.
00:59:08Pitch safe.
00:59:09What is it like, though, up the tunnel?
00:59:11Becky Ives is there for them.
00:59:12The noise is coming down here.
00:59:14It's echoing under here.
00:59:15And I'll tell you what, when they first came out,
00:59:16Chelsea are the way team.
00:59:18Betis are the home team.
00:59:19Pablo Fornells came out first.
00:59:20Neto came out first for Chelsea.
00:59:22And they met.
00:59:23There was eye contact in the middle.
00:59:24You could sense the tension here.
00:59:26The excitement under this tunnel as the players are coming out.
00:59:29Cole Palmer came out.
00:59:30He just sort of hung around at the back.
00:59:32He wasn't too keen to get out first.
00:59:34He was there.
00:59:35But look, I have to say,
00:59:37whilst there is tension,
00:59:38whilst you can tell both these teams are up for this,
00:59:40it is fairly chilled under here.
00:59:42Everyone seems happy.
00:59:43Everyone seems fairly relaxed.
00:59:44I'll tell you what, super cute.
00:59:45The mascots.
00:59:46You forget about this aspect.
00:59:47But the mascots all in their kits out here.
00:59:49They were there trying to get in
00:59:51to see which player they were going to get
00:59:53to hold the hand.
00:59:55But look, I tell you,
00:59:56that moment between Neto and Pablo Fornells,
00:59:58you just felt, hang on, this is odd.
01:00:01But yeah, look, under here.
01:00:02You can hear it.
01:00:03You can hear the stands.
01:00:04The excitement, the tension.
01:00:05It is building.
01:00:06Which team are going to get this?
01:00:07Both of them really, really want it.
01:00:10Let's find out, Emma.
01:00:12Thank you, Becky.
01:00:13Great insight there.
01:00:14Well, as you can see, the spectacle on the pitch.
01:00:16Absolutely.
01:00:17So, so inspiring.
01:00:19So, so impressive.
01:00:21Final thoughts now, guys.
01:00:23It's almost time for the teams to come out.
01:00:24Who's going to do it?
01:00:25I think I'm getting more confident as the game's getting close.
01:00:27You know, you can sense the tension with the Betts fans.
01:00:30This is their all and their everything.
01:00:32Talking to Enzo Mareska when he came to the desk,
01:00:34looking at the way the Chelsea players will want,
01:00:36I think they need to manage the first 15-20 minutes.
01:00:38Nothing silly.
01:00:39And I think they'll have too much power,
01:00:41too much quality,
01:00:42and they'll go and win this game 3-1.
01:00:44I just literally feel like there's a go out there,
01:00:46both teams going there,
01:00:47proud of the pressure,
01:00:48be right on top of the other team,
01:00:49and show that they're here to win,
01:00:51and have the confidence to go out there and do the job.
01:00:53You set the tone,
01:00:54first five minutes,
01:00:55first tackle,
01:00:56first header,
01:00:57first pass,
01:00:58should be aggressive in possession,
01:00:59aggressive out of possession,
01:01:00and that there,
01:01:01that trophy there,
01:01:02that is what you're going to be lifted
01:01:03at the end of the game.
01:01:04Who wants it more?
01:01:05He played with us this morning.
01:01:07He was a player.
01:01:09He's a player, yeah.
01:01:10Walking better than me and Sid.
01:01:12Well, look at that.
01:01:14That is the prize for either of these sides.
01:01:17Who will be celebrating?
01:01:18Who will be triumphant?
01:01:20Come full time.
01:01:21Let's find out.
01:01:22And join our commentators this evening,
01:01:24Lucy Ward and Adam Somerton.
01:01:28Thank you, Emma.
01:01:29Good evening, everyone.
01:01:30Well, a night where Betis seek their first major European trophy,
01:01:34and Chelsea look to complete the set.
01:01:37This is a meeting of two sides on each seat.
01:01:40This is a wonderful opportunity.
01:01:42Chelsea as a club,
01:01:43well-established European royalty,
01:01:46but yearning for fresh silverware,
01:01:48and the validation that would bring.
01:01:52For Betis,
01:01:53it's a first ever European final.
01:01:55Their players with a chance to make history,
01:01:58to be remembered and revered forever.
01:02:01A night that could hardly matter more
01:02:03for those in green and white.
01:02:05Chelsea's history dictates it could never mean quite so much to them.
01:02:10.
01:02:11.
01:02:12.
01:02:13.
01:02:14.
01:02:15.
01:02:16.
01:02:17.
01:02:18.
01:02:19.
01:02:20.
01:02:21.
01:02:22.
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