The Boss Enzo Maresca Describes Pre-Match Period as The 'Worst Two Days' at the Club

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca revealed that the build-up to the weekend's triumph against Everton represented "the most challenging 48 hours" of his tenure at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian offered a puzzling comment in his post-match media briefing even after securing a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge courtesy of strikes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those three precious points sent Chelsea once again into the Premier League's top four, perhaps lightening the mood following a loss to Atalanta in the Champions League that had extended the side's winless run to consecutive outings.

But, when questioned about the full-back's assist and overall performance, Maresca unexpectedly divulged his annoyance over the previous two days within the club.

"The way the players want to learn has been superb and this is the reason why I praise them - because with so many issues, they are doing very well after a complicated week," he said.

"Since I joined the club, the past 48 hours have been the most difficult because a lot of people didn't support us."

Pressed on the specifics, the ex- Leicester City boss added: "Worst 48 hours since I came to the club because people failed to back me and the team."

When asked if he was referring to people internally at Chelsea, he responded: "In general. In general," before specifying when queried if it was aimed at fans or the press: "I adore the fans and we are extremely happy with the fans."

Injury and Suspension Crisis

Maresca also pointed to Chelsea's ongoing fitness and disciplinary issues, noting they had been missing star attacker Cole Palmer for a large portion of the season, as well as being deprived of key midfielder Moises Caicedo to a three-game ban and striker Liam Delap to a couple of significant injuries.

"I really applaud the players and the squad because we have 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 said.

"And this squad, regardless of who is on the pitch, they are doing brilliantly. Today was five games in 12 days so for sure when you see Cole Palmer playing, we have said many times that he's our best player but we play the vast majority of the season minus our best 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 want people outside to recognize because the work from the players is fantastic."

Chelsea's triumph over Everton consolidated their position in 4th place in the Premier League table, with a Carabao Cup quarter-final clash at Cardiff and a league journey to Newcastle scheduled in the coming days.

Speculation Over Maresca's Comments

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

In that timeframe, the coach had returned with his staff and players from his native Italy, held a training session at the training ground, faced a pre-game news conference where he appeared at ease, and secured a win over an high-flying Everton side.

It was not obvious whether any particular media reports had unsettled him, if social media discourse were a factor, or if it was something deeper from inside the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca only sought to deny that it was an issue involving the club's fans, some of whom have not yet fully embrace him since his arrival from Leicester in July 2024.