The Manager Maresca Calls Pre-Match Time as The 'Worst 48 Hours' with the Club

Chelsea tactician Enzo Maresca stated that the build-up to Saturday's win against Everton represented "the most challenging 48 hours" since his arrival with the London club.

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

Those crucial points lifted Chelsea back into the Premier League's top four, potentially lightening the atmosphere after a defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League that had stretched the side's winless run to four matches.

But, when asked about the full-back's contribution and general display, Maresca unexpectedly disclosed his annoyance over the preceding 48-hour period at the organization.

"How the players want to learn has been fantastic and this is the reason why I praise them - because with so many issues, they are performing admirably after a tricky week," he commented.

"From the moment I arrived at the club, the past 48 hours have been the most difficult because a lot of people withheld support from us."

Pressed on his meaning, the ex- Leicester City manager added: "Worst 48 hours since I came to the club because people didn't support 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 adore the fans and we are extremely happy with the fans."

Injury & Disciplinary Crisis

Maresca also highlighted Chelsea's persistent injury and suspension issues, noting they had been missing key forward Cole Palmer for much of the season, in addition to being deprived of key midfielder Moises Caicedo to a three-game ban and striker Liam Delap to a couple of significant injuries.

"I really praise the players and the squad because we played 16 Premier League games, 5 of them without Moises Caicedo, eleven of them minus Cole Palmer, nearly every one of them without Liam Delap," he said.

"And this squad, regardless of who is playing, they are doing exceptionally. Today was five games in 12 days so undoubtedly 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 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 externally to acknowledge because the effort from the players is fantastic."

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

Speculation Over Maresca's Remark

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

In that period, the coach had returned with his backroom team and players from his native Italy, held a session at the training ground, attended a pre-match press briefing where he seemed at ease, and secured a win over an in-form Everton side.

It was hard to discern whether any specific media reports had unsettled him, if online comments played a role, or if it was something more significant from within the club at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca specifically took care to rule out that it was an issue related to the club's fans, a section of which have not yet fully embrace him since his appointment from Leicester in July 2024.