The Manager Maresca Describes Lead-Up Period as The 'Worst Two Days' at the Blues

Chelsea tactician Enzo Maresca stated that the build-up to Saturday's triumph against Everton represented "the most challenging 48 hours" since his arrival at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian offered a somewhat cryptic comment in his after-game interview despite notching a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge courtesy of goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those crucial points propelled Chelsea back into the Premier League's top four, potentially improving the mood following a defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League that had extended the side's winless run to four fixtures.

But, when questioned about the full-back's assist and general performance, Maresca surprisingly shared his frustration over the previous two days within the organization.

"The way the lads are eager to develop has been fantastic and this is the explanation why I commend them - because with a host of issues, they are excelling after a difficult week," he commented.

"From the moment I arrived at the club, the last 48 hours have been the most difficult because a lot of people withheld support from us."

Pressed on what he meant, the former Leicester City manager elaborated: "Worst 48 hours since I joined the club because people failed to back me and the team."

When asked if he meant people internally at Chelsea, he responded: "Broadly speaking. Overall," before specifying when queried if it was directed towards fans or the media: "I adore the fans and we are extremely pleased with the fans."

Injury & Disciplinary Woes

Maresca also highlighted Chelsea's ongoing injury and suspension problems, remarking they had been missing key forward Cole Palmer for much of the season, in addition to being deprived of linchpin Moises Caicedo to a three-game ban and striker Liam Delap to a couple of serious injuries.

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

"And this squad, regardless of who is on the pitch, they are performing fantastic. Today was five games in 12 days so for sure when you see Cole Palmer playing, we said many times that he's our top player but we play almost all season minus our best player.

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

Chelsea's triumph over Everton strengthened their standing in fourth in the Premier League standings, with a Carabao Cup quarter-final clash at Cardiff and a league trip to Newcastle to come next week.

Speculation Over Maresca's Remark

It was not immediately clear who or what prompted Maresca to label the previous 48 hours as the worst of his tenure as Chelsea head coach.

In that window, the Italian had traveled back with his staff and players from his native Italy, held a session at Cobham, faced a pre-game press briefing where he appeared at ease, and secured a victory over an in-form Everton team.

It was unclear whether any particular media reports had unsettled him, if online discourse were a factor, or if it was something more significant from inside the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca only sought to rule out that it was an issue related to the club's supporters, some of whom have still have yet to fully warm to him since his appointment from Leicester during July 2024.