The Manager Enzo Maresca Describes Pre-Match Time as His 'Worst Two Days' with the Blues

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca revealed that the run-up to Saturday's triumph against Everton represented "the toughest 48 hours" he has experienced at Stamford Bridge.

The 44-year-old delivered a puzzling statement in his post-match interview even after notching a 2-0 win at home through strikes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those points sent Chelsea once again into the English top flight's top four, potentially lightening the mood following a loss to Atalanta in the Champions League that had stretched the team's winless run to four fixtures.

But, when questioned about the full-back's assist and general display, Maresca surprisingly disclosed his frustration over the previous two days within the club.

"The way the players want to learn has been excellent and this is the explanation why I commend them - because with so many problems, they are doing very well after a tricky week," he stated.

"Since I joined the club, the last 48 hours have been the worst because several people failed to back us."

When pushed further on the specifics, the former Leicester City manager continued: "Worst 48 hours since I joined the club because people failed to back me and the team."

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

Fitness & Disciplinary Woes

Maresca also drew attention to Chelsea's ongoing injury and disciplinary issues, noting they had been missing star attacker Cole Palmer for much of the season, in addition to losing linchpin Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and striker Liam Delap to two significant injuries.

"I truly commend the players and the squad because we have 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, no matter who is on the pitch, they are doing brilliantly. Today was 5 games in 12 days so for sure when you see Cole Palmer playing, we have said many times that he's our top player but we play the vast majority of the season minus our best 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 want people outside to acknowledge because the work from the players is outstanding."

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

Uncertainty Over Maresca's Remark

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

In that period, the Italian had traveled back with his staff and players from his native Italy, held a session at Cobham, attended a pre-game press briefing where he appeared at ease, and secured a victory over an high-flying 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 club at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca only sought to deny that it was an matter involving the club's fans, a section of which have still have yet to fully warm to him since his appointment from Leicester in July 2024.