Chelsea's Boss Maresca Describes Pre-Match Time as His 'Worst Two Days' with the Blues

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

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

Those three precious points propelled Chelsea back into the Premier League's top four, perhaps lightening the mood after a defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League that had stretched the side's winless run to consecutive fixtures.

But, when asked about the full-back's assist and general performance, Maresca surprisingly shared his frustration over the preceding 48-hour period within the club.

"How the squad want to develop has been excellent and this is the explanation why I praise them - because with numerous challenges, they are performing admirably after a tricky week," he commented.

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

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

When asked if he meant people internally at Chelsea, he replied: "Broadly speaking. 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."

Fitness & Disciplinary Woes

Maresca also pointed to Chelsea's persistent injury and disciplinary problems, remarking they had been missing star attacker Cole Palmer for much of the campaign, as well as being deprived of key midfielder Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and forward Liam Delap to two serious injuries.

"I really applaud the players and the squad because we have played 16 Premier League games, five of them minus Moises Caicedo, 11 of them minus Cole Palmer, almost all of them without Liam Delap," he explained.

"And this squad, no matter who is playing, they are performing exceptionally. Today was 5 games in 12 days so certainly when you see Cole Palmer there, we said many times that he's our top 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 delighted for the players and it's something that I would like people outside to acknowledge because the commitment from the players is outstanding."

Chelsea's triumph over Everton consolidated their standing in 4th place in the Premier League standings, with a Carabao Cup quarter-final tie at Cardiff and a league journey to Newcastle scheduled next week.

Speculation Over Maresca's Remark

It was unclear what exactly caused Maresca to describe the past 48 hours as the worst of his time as Chelsea head coach.

In that timeframe, the coach had traveled back with his backroom team and players from his native Italy, conducted a session at Cobham, faced a pre-game news conference where he seemed relaxed, and secured a victory over an in-form Everton side.

It was not obvious whether any particular media reports had irked him, if online discourse were a factor, or if it was something more significant from within the club at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca only sought to deny that it was an issue related to the club's supporters, some of whom have not yet fully warm to him since his appointment from Leicester in July 2024.