Chelsea's Manager Enzo Maresca Calls Pre-Match Period as The 'Toughest Two Days' with the Blues

Chelsea tactician Enzo Maresca stated that the preparation to Saturday's triumph against Everton was "the worst 48 hours" he has experienced with the London club.

The Italian offered a somewhat cryptic statement in his post-match media briefing even after securing a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge through finishes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those points sent Chelsea once again into the English top flight's top four, perhaps lightening the atmosphere after a defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League that had stretched the side's drought without a win to consecutive fixtures.

Yet, when asked about Gusto's assist and general display, Maresca unexpectedly shared his frustration over the previous 48-hour period at the organization.

"The way the squad are eager to learn has been fantastic and this is the explanation why I praise them - because with so many issues, 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 toughest because a lot of people failed to back us."

When pushed further on what he meant, 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 within at Chelsea, he responded: "In general. In general," before clarifying when asked if it was aimed at supporters or the media: "I love the fans and we are extremely pleased with the fans."

Fitness and Suspension Crisis

Maresca also drew attention to Chelsea's persistent injury and disciplinary issues, remarking they had been without key forward Cole Palmer for much of the season, as well as losing key midfielder Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and striker Liam Delap to a couple of serious injuries.

"I really praise 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 explained.

"And this squad, no matter who is playing, they are performing brilliantly. Today was five games in 12 days so for sure when you see Cole Palmer there, we have said many times that he's our top player but we play the vast majority of the season without our top player.

"We play five games in the Premier League without 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 acknowledge because the commitment from the players is outstanding."

Chelsea's triumph over Everton strengthened their standing in 4th place in the Premier League standings, with a Carabao Cup quarter-final tie at Cardiff and a league trip to Newcastle to come in the coming days.

Speculation Regarding Maresca's Remark

It was unclear who or what caused Maresca to describe the past 48 hours as the most difficult of his time as Chelsea manager.

In that period, the coach had traveled back with his backroom team and players from Bergamo, conducted a session at the training ground, faced a pre-game news conference where he seemed relaxed, and secured a win over an in-form Everton side.

It was unclear whether any specific media reports had unsettled him, if social media discourse played a role, or if it was something more significant from inside the club at Stamford Bridge.

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