Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has admitted that the UEFA Europa Conference League is the only European trophy his team can win this season – and insists lifting it would be a huge statement for the club’s resurgence.

Speaking on Wednesday ahead of Chelsea’s semi-final second leg against Djurgarden, Maresca made it clear that while the Conference League may not be the most glamorous of competitions, winning it would still mean everything for his young and evolving side.

“Important, because we would be the only club in Europe [to have won every competition they’ve entered],” Maresca said. “It’s important to start to build a winning mentality with this club.”

Maresca believes that success in the Conference League would serve as a vital stepping stone in Chelsea’s rebuild under his leadership, and a powerful signal that the Blues are on their way back to competing at the top level.

“For me, winning a Conference League trophy this season is a statement where you can say ‘Chelsea is back’, because you win a trophy,” he explained. “If Real Madrid or different clubs didn’t play the Conference League, it’s because the Conference League is not the level they were at. If we play in the Conference League, it’s because that’s where we are.”

The Italian boss didn’t shy away from the current reality, adding: “If you play in the Conference League, you cannot win the Champions League or the Europa League. The only trophy you can win is the Conference League.”

“But we are going to try our best to reach the final and then to reach the trophy. From there, it’s a good starting point to win games and trophies.”

Chelsea hold a 4-1 lead from the first leg against Djurgarden and are favourites to secure a place in the final. For Maresca, it’s not just about winning a game — it’s about laying the foundation for a winning future at Stamford Bridge.