Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has dismissed the idea that money guarantees success, as his side prepare to face Djurgarden in Thursday’s Europa Conference League semi-final first leg in Stockholm.
“You don’t win games and titles with money,” Maresca said. “We know that very well. It’s not about how much you spend in the transfer market.”
Despite Chelsea’s billion-pound outlay under Todd Boehly’s ownership, Maresca stressed the need for smart spending and strong mentality.
“You’re not going to win titles just because you spend big money. You have to spend money but in the right way,” he added.
The Blues remain favourites in the competition, having advanced comfortably despite a lone loss to Legia Warsaw. But Maresca voiced concern over the artificial surface at Djurgarden’s 30,000-seat stadium.
“It’s completely different,” he said. “Even some of their players have been complaining about the pitch. But we don’t have any excuse.”
With fifth-placed Chelsea battling for Champions League qualification at home and a trip to Liverpool looming on Sunday, Maresca urged his players to stay locked in.
“We are trying to build a mentality, a winning mentality,” he said. “The players are aware that tomorrow is an important game but they also are aware the next one is important.”
