Former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan has criticized Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca for his recent comments regarding preparation time ahead of the UEFA Europa Conference League final against Real Betis.

Chelsea are set to face Real Betis in the Conference League final next Wednesday, but Maresca expressed dissatisfaction with the Spanish side having more time to prepare due to their LaLiga schedule, according to BBC Sport.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Jordan dismissed Maresca's concerns in blunt terms: "Maybe if you got the job done, you could've put the reserves out [this weekend], so pack it in," Jordan said.

"I mean, the bottom line is you are playing in the pub Conference League. You should be able to win it anyway. I know Betis will be more formidable opposition than you have had previously," he added.

Jordan's comments highlight the expectations placed on Chelsea, suggesting that a club of their stature should be capable of winning the Conference League regardless of preparation time disadvantages.

The Europa Conference League final represents an opportunity for Maresca to secure silverware in his first season as Chelsea manager, though Jordan's remarks indicate some in the football community view the competition as less prestigious than other European tournaments.

Chelsea's path to the final has seen them overcome various opponents, but according to Jordan, Real Betis will present a more significant challenge than those faced earlier in the competition.