The Boss Maresca Describes Pre-Match Time as The 'Toughest Two Days' at the Blues

Chelsea tactician Enzo Maresca revealed that the run-up to Saturday's triumph against Everton was "the most challenging 48 hours" he has experienced with the London club.

The Italian offered a puzzling statement in his after-game interview even after securing a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge courtesy of strikes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those crucial points sent Chelsea back into the Premier League's top four, potentially improving the mood following a loss to Atalanta in the Champions League that had stretched the side's drought without a win to four outings.

Yet, when asked about the full-back's contribution and general display, Maresca surprisingly disclosed his frustration over the preceding two days at the club.

"The way the lads want to learn has been fantastic and this is the explanation why I commend them - because with numerous issues, they are doing very well after a tricky week," he said.

"From the moment I arrived at the club, the last 48 hours have been the toughest because many people didn't support us."

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

When asked if he was referring to people within at Chelsea, he answered: "Broadly speaking. Overall," before clarifying when asked if it was directed towards fans or the press: "I adore the fans and we are very pleased with the fans."

Fitness and Disciplinary Woes

Maresca also pointed to Chelsea's persistent injury and disciplinary problems, remarking they had been without key forward Cole Palmer for a large portion of the campaign, in addition to losing linchpin Moises Caicedo to a three-game ban and forward Liam Delap to a couple of serious injuries.

"I truly 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, almost all of them without Liam Delap," he said.

"And this squad, regardless of who is on the pitch, they are doing 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 almost all season without our top player.

"We play five 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 appreciate because the effort from the players is outstanding."

Chelsea's win over Everton cemented their standing in fourth in the Premier League standings, with a Carabao Cup last-eight clash at Cardiff and a league trip to Newcastle scheduled in the coming days.

Uncertainty Over Maresca's Comments

It was not immediately clear what exactly prompted Maresca to describe the previous 48 hours as the most difficult of his tenure as Chelsea head coach.

In that window, the coach 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 seemed at ease, and engineered a win over an in-form Everton team.

It was not obvious whether any specific media reports had irked him, if online comments played a role, or if it was something more significant from inside the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.

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