The Boss Maresca Calls Pre-Match Time as The 'Toughest Two Days' at the Blues

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

The Italian offered a somewhat cryptic 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 crucial points sent Chelsea back into the English top flight's top four, potentially improving the atmosphere following a loss to Atalanta in the Champions League that had stretched the side's winless run to consecutive outings.

However, when questioned about Gusto's assist and overall performance, Maresca surprisingly divulged his frustration over the previous two days at the organization.

"How the players are eager to learn has been superb and this is the reason why I commend them - because with so many issues, they are doing very well after a complicated week," he stated.

"From the moment I arrived at the club, the previous 48 hours have been the most difficult because several people failed to back us."

Pressed on his meaning, the former Leicester City manager continued: "Most difficult 48 hours since I came to the club because people failed to back me and the team."

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

Injury and Disciplinary Woes

Maresca also pointed to Chelsea's persistent injury and suspension problems, noting they had been without key forward Cole Palmer for much of the season, in addition to losing key midfielder Moises Caicedo to a three-game ban and forward Liam Delap to a couple of serious injuries.

"I truly commend 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 doing brilliantly. Today was 5 games in 12 days so for sure when you see Cole Palmer playing, we 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 minus Moises Caicedo. This is the explanation why I'm so delighted for the players and it's something that I would like people outside to recognize because the effort from the players is remarkable."

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

Speculation Regarding Maresca's Comments

It was unclear who or what prompted Maresca to describe the past 48 hours as the worst of his tenure as Chelsea head coach.

In that window, the Italian had returned with his staff and players from his native Italy, held a training session at the training ground, attended a pre-match press briefing where he appeared relaxed, and engineered a victory over an in-form Everton side.

It was not obvious whether any particular media reports had unsettled him, if social media comments were a factor, or if it was something more significant from inside the club at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca specifically took care to deny that it was an issue involving the club's fans, some of whom have still have yet to fully warm to him since his arrival from Leicester during July 2024.