Maresca explained that his players' reactions to criticism were a positive sign. "I think it's a good feeling that the players react when there are some critics," he said. "So, I think it's a good reaction from the players."

When asked about his own passionate response, Maresca clarified that it was just an outburst in the moment. He explained that the team had faced criticism during a difficult period in the season, when they dropped points in several games. "Many people were talking, and from our point of view, they were not talking in the right way," he said.

Maresca acknowledged that the team is young, but also emphasized that they are mature enough to compete. "We are the youngest squad in the history of the Premier League, but at the same time, they are men," he said. "So, I also use that critics to say 'guys, today is a chance that we can say that we are not young, we are mature enough, we can compete, and we can do the right things'."

On reaching the final, Maresca admitted that some of his players had doubts earlier in the season. "Probably the most complicated thing this season about the Conference has been to convince the players that for us it was the best competition in the world," he said.

Maresca emphasized the importance of respecting every team in Europe and the need to win the final. "We need to show the desire to win the title and to win the game," he said. "So, as you said, job done, fantastic, all happy. But tomorrow is a different game. It's a final. And it's a game that we want to win at any cost."