“His Track Record Says It All” — Maresca Warns About Isco Ahead of Conference League Final
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has praised Real Betis midfielder Isco, calling him a “top player,” as the two sides gear up for the UEFA Conference League final in Athens. Maresca, who previously played alongside Isco at Málaga, highlighted the Spaniard’s impressive career, including his success at Real Madrid and recent resurgence at Betis.
“Isco is a top player. His career says it all. I played with him when he was still very young. That Málaga team had stars like Van Nistelrooy, Joaquin, and Cazorla — it was a great squad,” Maresca recalled.
While Maresca’s admiration appears genuine, some Chelsea supporters see his remarks as strategic pre-match mind games, aimed at psychologically unsettling the opposition. One fan speculated, “He’s just building them up to knock them down. Classic mind games.” Others remain confident Chelsea should win regardless of Isco’s influence.
Despite the mixed reactions, there’s no denying Isco’s renewed form has made him a key figure for Betis. Though Maresca insists his preparation won’t change, his respectful comments suggest Isco will be a player Chelsea will need to keep a close eye on.
