The Manager Enzo Maresca Describes Pre-Match Period as His 'Most Difficult Two Days' with the Blues

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca remarked that the preparation to the weekend's win against Everton constituted "the toughest 48 hours" he has experienced with the London club.

The Italian delivered a somewhat cryptic statement in his post-match press conference even after securing a 2-0 win at home through finishes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those crucial points sent Chelsea once again into the English top flight's top four, perhaps lightening the mood following a loss to Atalanta in the Champions League that had extended the team's drought without a win to four outings.

Yet, when questioned about the full-back's assist and general display, Maresca unexpectedly shared his annoyance over the previous two days within the club.

"The way the squad want to develop has been excellent and this is the reason why I applaud them - because with a host of challenges, they are excelling after a tricky week," he stated.

"Since I joined the club, the past 48 hours have been the worst because several people failed to back us."

When pushed further on what he meant, the ex- Leicester City manager elaborated: "Worst 48 hours since I joined the club because people didn't support me and the team."

When questioned if he meant people internally at Chelsea, he answered: "In general. Overall," before clarifying when asked if it was aimed at fans or the media: "I love the fans and we are extremely happy with the fans."

Injury & Suspension Crisis

Maresca also drew attention to Chelsea's ongoing fitness and disciplinary issues, noting they had been without star attacker Cole Palmer for a large portion of the campaign, as well as losing key midfielder Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and forward Liam Delap to a couple of serious injuries.

"I really applaud the players and the squad because we have played 16 Premier League games, 5 of them without Moises Caicedo, eleven of them without Cole Palmer, nearly every one of them without Liam Delap," he said.

"And this squad, no matter who is on the pitch, they are doing fantastic. Today was five games in 12 days so undoubtedly when you see Cole Palmer playing, we have said many times that he's our top player but we play almost all season minus our top player.

"We play 5 games in the Premier League without Moises Caicedo. This is the explanation why I'm so pleased for the players and it's something that I would like people outside to appreciate because the effort from the players is outstanding."

Chelsea's win over Everton strengthened their position in 4th place in the Premier League standings, with a Carabao Cup quarter-final tie at Cardiff and a league journey to Newcastle to come next week.

Uncertainty Over Maresca's Comments

It was unclear what exactly caused Maresca to label the previous 48 hours as the most difficult of his time as Chelsea manager.

In that timeframe, the coach had returned with his backroom team and players from his native Italy, held a session at the training ground, faced a pre-game press briefing where he appeared relaxed, and secured a victory over an in-form Everton side.

It was unclear whether any specific press stories had unsettled him, if social media comments were a factor, or if it was something more significant from within the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca specifically took care to deny that it was an issue related to the club's fans, some of whom have not yet fully warm to him since his appointment from Leicester during July 2024.