The Boss Enzo Maresca Describes Lead-Up Time as The 'Toughest 48 Hours' with the Blues

Chelsea tactician Enzo Maresca stated that the preparation to the weekend's victory against Everton was "the worst 48 hours" he has experienced at Stamford Bridge.

The 44-year-old delivered a rather mysterious statement in his after-game media briefing even after earning a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge courtesy of goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those crucial points propelled Chelsea once again into the Premier League's top four, potentially improving the mood following a loss to Atalanta in the Champions League that had extended the side's drought without a win to consecutive matches.

Yet, when questioned about Gusto's assist and overall performance, Maresca surprisingly disclosed his frustration over the preceding two days at the organization.

"How the lads are eager to develop has been fantastic and this is the reason why I applaud them - because with so many problems, they are excelling after a tricky week," he stated.

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

When pushed further on his meaning, the ex- Leicester City manager added: "Most difficult 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. Overall," before clarifying when asked if it was aimed at supporters or the press: "I love the fans and we are very happy with the fans."

Fitness & Disciplinary Woes

Maresca also drew attention to Chelsea's ongoing fitness and suspension issues, noting they had been without star attacker Cole Palmer for much of the campaign, in addition to being deprived of key midfielder Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and striker Liam Delap to two significant injuries.

"I really praise the players and the squad because we have played 16 Premier League games, five of them minus Moises Caicedo, eleven of them minus Cole Palmer, almost all of them minus Liam Delap," he explained.

"And this squad, regardless of who is playing, they are performing 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 finest 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 pleased for the players and it's something that I would want people outside to appreciate because the commitment from the players is fantastic."

Chelsea's win over Everton consolidated their standing 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 Regarding Maresca's Comments

It was ambiguous what exactly prompted Maresca to label the past 48 hours as the worst of his spell as Chelsea manager.

In that timeframe, the coach had traveled back with his staff and players from his native Italy, held a session at the training ground, attended a pre-game news conference where he appeared relaxed, and secured a win over an high-flying Everton side.

It was unclear whether any particular press stories had irked him, if online comments were a factor, or if it was something more significant from inside the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca only sought to rule out that it was an matter related to the club's supporters, some of whom have still have yet to fully warm to him since his arrival from Leicester during July 2024.