As Chelsea gear up for their UEFA Conference League semi-final showdown against Swedish side Djurgarden, head coach Enzo Maresca has revealed that meticulous preparation has gone into analysing the opposition — but one small issue could still pose a challenge.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Maresca shared how he’s been studying Djurgarden closely to understand their tactical approach. “Personally, I watched six games. Some of them are in the Conference League and some are the league,” the Italian tactician explained. “The only thing in the league they use players they don’t use in the Conference League. It’s not easy to analyse.”

This rotation of players between competitions has made it difficult for Maresca and his staff to form a complete picture of Djurgarden’s strongest line-up and tactical setup, adding an element of unpredictability to the tie.

But it’s not just Djurgarden’s squad rotation that’s causing concern — the playing surface could also be a factor. Maresca pointed out the potential impact of unfamiliar pitch conditions: “Then, also, the pitch here is a bit different to the ones we are used to. We are going to try and prepare the game in the best way and think about all the small details.”

It’s clear that Maresca is leaving no stone unturned in Chelsea’s bid to reach the final. But whether those “small details” — like pitch conditions and opposition rotation — can be overcome will be revealed when the Blues step onto the field in Sweden.

One thing is certain: this isn’t just another game. It’s a test of adaptability, preparation, and mental sharpness — and Maresca knows it.