'Reece James, Levi Colwill unhappiness revealed by major Chelsea final update'

Reece James and Levi Colwill were not in the best of moods ahead of Chelsea facing Real Betis in the Europa Conference League final in Poland, and it appears to have been revealed why.

The defensive pair spoke in the Blues' pre-match press conference, looking extremely unhappy as they answered questions from the media before an incredibly important match.

Enzo Maresca's side secured Champions League football with a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday, 25 May, finally proving the doubters wrong after a long, tiring campaign.

Despite that, the Blues still have a chance to lift silverware, so it remained to be seen why the pair were far from excited while speaking to the press ahead of the final showdown at the Tarczynski Arena.

That was until Maresca's starting lineup was announced for one of the most important matches of the season, with Malo Gusto and Benoit Badiashille named ahead of the distinguished duo for the game.

Reece James and Levi Colwill benched v Real Betis

Taking to X (28 May), The Athletic's Simon Johnson wrote: "James and Colwill on the bench for Chelsea... Perhaps this explains why they did not look in the best of moods in the pre-match press conference."

Enzo Maresca safe at Chelsea after sack pressure

Football Insider verdict

Whatever happens in the Europa Conference League final, Todd Boehly is unlikely to be making any changes in the dugout, with the Blues now set to battle in the Champions League.

Football Insider understood in April that Maresca had the backing of the Chelsea board despite unrest in the fanbase and growing calls for his sacking, and that looks to have been a brilliant decision.

The Blues lost just one of their final eight matches of the Premier League season, seeing them squeeze into the top-five spots, which likely meant also keeping Cole Palmer from leaving Chelsea this summer.

Winning the Europa Conference League title would just be the ribbon on top of the present for the travelling Chelsea fans on Wednesday night, but Real Betis are not a team to be messed with.

Man United's loanee Antony has gone from strength to strength since joining the La Liga side, notching 14 goal contributions in 25 games, so Maresca will need to be wary of his talent on the right flank.