Chelsea Coach Enzo Maresca On Why Costly Squad Will Not Save Them For Conference League Exit

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has issued a sobering reminder to his star-studded squad ahead of their Europa Conference League clash with Swedish side Djurgarden, warning that financial firepower alone is not enough to secure silverware.

Despite a squad built at the eye-watering cost of over $1 billion in the past three years, Chelsea are staring down the barrel of a trophyless season, with only the third-tier European competition left as a viable shot at success.

The Blues were knocked out of both domestic cups, the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, and their Premier League title hopes were dashed by a resurgent Liverpool, who surged ahead after a strong campaign start and coach Arne Slot.

Now, with all focus shifted to Europe, Maresca is urging his team to rise above the glitz of their price tags and prove their worth on the pitch.

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“You don’t win games and titles with money,” Maresca said, speaking to Sky Sports.

“We know that very well. It’s not about how much you spend in the transfer market. You’re not going to win titles just because you spend big money. You have to spend money—but in the right way.”

Ironically, Chelsea’s Thursday opponents Djurgarden were assembled for just a fraction of what Chelsea’s starting XI cost.

And while the gap in resources is stark, Maresca is wary of underdogs—especially after their scare in the previous round, where Chelsea lost at home to Legia Warsaw before narrowly advancing on aggregate.

That result served as a stark warning of the vulnerabilities that still linger within the squad.

With the away leg in Stockholm looming, Maresca knows his players will need more than just reputation and resources.

Chelsea's European campaign now rests on how well they respond to that challenge. Anything less than a determined and disciplined showing in Sweden could spell the end of their final shot at silverware this season and turn a billion-dollar investment into another frustrating chapter.