The Boss Enzo Maresca Describes Lead-Up Period as The 'Worst Two Days' with the Club

Chelsea tactician Enzo Maresca revealed that the build-up to the weekend's triumph against Everton was "the worst 48 hours" he has experienced at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian delivered a rather mysterious message in his post-match press conference despite earning a 2-0 win at home through goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those three precious points lifted Chelsea once again into the Premier League's top four, perhaps lightening the mood after a defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League that had stretched the team's drought without a win to consecutive matches.

But, when questioned about the full-back's assist and general performance, Maresca surprisingly divulged his displeasure over the previous 48-hour period at the club.

"The way the players want to improve has been superb and this is the reason why I applaud them - because with numerous challenges, they are performing admirably after a difficult week," he said.

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

When pushed further on the specifics, the former Leicester City boss continued: "Most difficult 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: "Broadly speaking. Overall," before clarifying when asked if it was aimed at fans or the media: "I love the fans and we are very pleased with the fans."

Injury & Disciplinary Crisis

Maresca also drew attention to Chelsea's ongoing injury and disciplinary problems, noting they had been missing key forward Cole Palmer for a large portion of the season, in addition to losing linchpin Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and forward Liam Delap to two serious injuries.

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

"And this squad, no matter who is playing, they are doing exceptionally. Today was 5 games in 12 days so for sure when you see Cole Palmer playing, we have 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 reason why I'm so pleased for the players and it's something that I would like people externally to appreciate because the work from the players is fantastic."

Chelsea's win over Everton consolidated their position in fourth in the Premier League standings, with a Carabao Cup quarter-final clash at Cardiff and a league trip to Newcastle to come in the coming days.

Uncertainty Over Maresca's Remark

It was unclear who or what prompted Maresca to label the previous 48 hours as the worst of his time as Chelsea head coach.

In that period, the Italian had returned with his staff and players from his native Italy, conducted a training session at the training ground, attended a pre-game press briefing where he seemed relaxed, and secured a win over an high-flying Everton team.

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

Maresca only sought to deny that it was an issue involving the club's supporters, some of whom have still have yet to fully embrace him since his arrival from Leicester during July 2024.