Chelsea's Manager Enzo Maresca Calls Lead-Up Time as The 'Toughest Two Days' at the Blues

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca remarked that the preparation to the weekend's win against Everton represented "the most challenging 48 hours" he has experienced at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian offered a puzzling comment in his post-match press conference even after securing a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge thanks to strikes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those crucial points sent Chelsea once again into the English top flight's top four, perhaps lightening the atmosphere following a defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League that had extended the team's winless run to four fixtures.

However, when asked about Gusto's contribution and general performance, Maresca unexpectedly disclosed his annoyance over the previous 48-hour period at the club.

"How the squad want to develop has been fantastic and this is the reason why I applaud them - because with a host of challenges, they are excelling after a tricky week," he commented.

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

When pushed further on the specifics, the ex- Leicester City boss elaborated: "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 internally at Chelsea, he replied: "In general. Overall," before clarifying when asked if it was directed towards fans or the media: "I adore the fans and we are very pleased with the fans."

Fitness and Disciplinary Woes

Maresca also pointed to Chelsea's ongoing fitness and suspension issues, remarking they had been without star attacker Cole Palmer for much of the campaign, in addition to being deprived of linchpin Moises Caicedo to a three-game ban and striker Liam Delap to a couple of serious injuries.

"I really commend the players and the squad because we 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 said.

"And this squad, regardless of who is on the pitch, 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 best player but we play almost all season without our best player.

"We play five games in the Premier League without Moises Caicedo. This is the reason why I'm so delighted for the players and it's something that I would want people outside to recognize because the effort from the players is remarkable."

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

Uncertainty Over Maresca's Comments

It was unclear what exactly prompted Maresca to describe the previous 48 hours as the most difficult of his tenure as Chelsea manager.

In that timeframe, the coach had traveled back with his backroom team and players from Bergamo, held a training session at the training ground, faced a pre-game press briefing where he appeared relaxed, and secured a victory over an in-form Everton team.

It was hard to discern whether any specific media reports had irked him, if online discourse were a factor, or if it was something more significant from within the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca specifically took care to rule out that it was an matter involving the club's fans, some of whom have not yet fully warm to him since his appointment from Leicester in July 2024.