Enzo Maresca’s season turned from good to great as he was able to lift his first trophy since becoming Chelsea manager.
The Blues capped off qualifying for the Champions League with victory in the Conference League final, beating Real Betis 4-1 in Wroclaw.
Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho and Moises Caicedo scored the goals as Chelsea completed the set of European trophies, becoming the first club in football to do so.
Maresca had faced criticism throughout his first season at the club, however has achieved exactly what was hoped of him as the Blues continue forwards with their bold and exciting project.
Enzo Maresca hints Chelsea need a new striker after Conference League win
Jackson was out to make amends to his teammates following his red card against Newcastle, and did just that when he got on the end of a delightful Cole Palmer cross in the second half.
There has been plenty of talk of Chelsea looking to sign a new striker this summer, which could cause problems for the Senegal star going forwards.
Even his manager seems to believe that the Blues could upgrade in this position. After the game, TNT Sports pundit Joe Cole said to colleague Michail Antonio: “I thought you were going to ask him if he needed another number nine.”
Maresca replied: “We probably do, yes. Now we enjoy a little bit, then we start again.”
Chelsea’s striker targets
Chelsea are not short of strikers on their shortlist as the club prepare for another busy summer transfer window.
The Blues are reportedly close to signing Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, with them qualifying for the Champions League a key factor in his thinking.
They are also keen on Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, however the Bundesliga side are demanding £85m for him to leave this summer.
Jackson has hit double digits in successive Premier League seasons now, and certainly plays a crucial role in the team’s attacking play. However, the chances are he is facing serious competition for his place next season.
