The Manager Maresca Labels Pre-Match Period as His 'Most Difficult 48 Hours' at the Club

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca revealed that the build-up to Saturday's win against Everton represented "the most challenging 48 hours" of his tenure with the London club.

The Italian made a rather mysterious message in his after-game press conference even after earning a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge courtesy of finishes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those crucial points lifted Chelsea once again into the Premier League's top four, perhaps improving the atmosphere following a loss to Atalanta in the Champions League that had stretched the team's drought without a win to four outings.

However, when asked about Gusto's contribution and general performance, Maresca surprisingly divulged his displeasure over the preceding two days at the club.

"How the squad are eager to improve has been excellent and this is the reason why I applaud them - because with so many problems, they are doing very well after a tricky week," he said.

"From the moment I arrived at the club, the past 48 hours have been the worst because a lot of people failed to back us."

When pushed further on the specifics, the ex- Leicester City boss continued: "Most difficult 48 hours since I came to the club because people failed to back me and the team."

When questioned if he was referring to people internally at Chelsea, he answered: "Broadly speaking. Overall," before specifying when queried if it was aimed at supporters or the press: "I adore the fans and we are very content with the fans."

Injury & Disciplinary Crisis

Maresca also pointed to Chelsea's ongoing fitness and suspension problems, noting they had been without star attacker Cole Palmer for much of the campaign, as well as losing linchpin Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and forward Liam Delap to two significant injuries.

"I really commend the players and the squad because we played 16 Premier League games, 5 of them minus Moises Caicedo, 11 of them without Cole Palmer, nearly every one of them without Liam Delap," he explained.

"And this squad, regardless of who is on the pitch, they are performing exceptionally. Today was five games in 12 days so undoubtedly when you see Cole Palmer available, we said many times that he's our finest player but we play the vast majority of the season minus our best player.

"We play five games in the Premier League minus Moises Caicedo. This is the reason why I'm so pleased for the players and it's something that I would want people outside to appreciate because the effort from the players is outstanding."

Chelsea's triumph over Everton consolidated their position in fourth in the Premier League table, with a Carabao Cup quarter-final tie at Cardiff and a league journey to Newcastle scheduled in the coming days.

Uncertainty Over Maresca's Comments

It was unclear what exactly caused Maresca to label the previous 48 hours as the worst of his tenure as Chelsea head coach.

In that timeframe, the Italian had returned with his staff and players from Bergamo, held a training session at Cobham, attended a pre-match press briefing where he seemed at ease, and secured a victory over an in-form Everton team.

It was not obvious whether any specific media reports had irked him, if online comments were a factor, or if it was something deeper from within the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca specifically took care to deny that it was an matter involving the club's supporters, some of whom have still have yet to fully embrace him since his appointment from Leicester in July 2024.