The Boss Enzo Maresca Describes Lead-Up Period as His 'Worst Two Days' at the Club

Chelsea tactician Enzo Maresca revealed that the preparation to Saturday's win against Everton constituted "the toughest 48 hours" he has experienced at Stamford Bridge.

The 44-year-old made a rather mysterious comment in his post-match media briefing even after notching a 2-0 win at home courtesy of finishes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those crucial points propelled Chelsea once again into the Premier League's top four, potentially improving the mood after a defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League that had stretched the team's drought without a win to four matches.

However, when questioned about Gusto's contribution and overall performance, Maresca surprisingly divulged his displeasure over the previous two days at the club.

"How the players are eager to develop has been excellent and this is the reason why I applaud them - because with numerous issues, they are performing admirably after a complicated week," he stated.

"Since I joined the club, the last 48 hours have been the most difficult because several people withheld support from us."

When pushed further on what he meant, the former Leicester City manager elaborated: "Most difficult 48 hours since I came to the club because people didn't support me and the team."

When questioned if he meant people within at Chelsea, he responded: "Broadly speaking. In general," before clarifying when asked if it was aimed at fans or the press: "I love the fans and we are very content with the fans."

Injury & Suspension Woes

Maresca also drew attention to Chelsea's persistent fitness and suspension issues, noting they had been missing key forward Cole Palmer for a large portion of the campaign, in addition to being deprived of linchpin Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and striker Liam Delap to two serious injuries.

"I truly praise the players and the squad because we have played 16 Premier League games, 5 of them without Moises Caicedo, 11 of them minus Cole Palmer, almost all of them minus Liam Delap," he explained.

"And this squad, regardless of who is playing, they are doing fantastic. Today was 5 games in 12 days so undoubtedly when you see Cole Palmer available, we said many times that he's our top 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 reason why I'm so pleased for the players and it's something that I would like people externally to acknowledge because the commitment from the players is outstanding."

Chelsea's win over Everton consolidated their standing in fourth in the Premier League table, with a Carabao Cup last-eight clash at Cardiff and a league journey to Newcastle scheduled next week.

Speculation Regarding Maresca's Remark

It was unclear what exactly caused Maresca to describe the past 48 hours as the most difficult of his spell as Chelsea head coach.

In that period, the coach had returned with his staff and players from his native Italy, conducted a session at the training ground, faced a pre-game press briefing where he appeared at ease, and secured a win over an in-form Everton side.

It was unclear whether any specific press stories had unsettled him, if online discourse played a role, or if it was something more significant from within the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca specifically took care to deny that it was an matter involving the club's fans, a section of which have still have yet to fully embrace him since his appointment from Leicester during July 2024.