Chelsea's Manager Enzo Maresca Describes Lead-Up Time as The 'Most Difficult 48 Hours' at the Blues

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca stated that the build-up to the weekend's victory against Everton constituted "the worst 48 hours" of his tenure at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian offered a rather mysterious statement in his post-match media briefing despite earning a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge thanks to goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those points sent Chelsea back into the Premier League's top four, perhaps improving the atmosphere following a loss to Atalanta in the Champions League that had stretched the team's winless run to consecutive outings.

However, when asked about Gusto's contribution and general display, Maresca surprisingly disclosed his frustration over the preceding two days at the organization.

"The way the squad are eager to learn has been excellent and this is the reason why I applaud them - because with numerous problems, they are excelling after a difficult week," he said.

"Since I joined the club, the last 48 hours have been the worst because a lot of people didn't support us."

When pushed further on what he meant, the ex- Leicester City manager elaborated: "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 internally at Chelsea, he answered: "Broadly speaking. Overall," before clarifying when asked if it was directed towards supporters or the media: "I love the fans and we are very content with the fans."

Fitness and Disciplinary Crisis

Maresca also drew attention to Chelsea's ongoing injury and suspension issues, remarking they had been without key forward Cole Palmer for a large portion of the campaign, as well as losing linchpin Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and striker Liam Delap to two serious injuries.

"I really commend the players and the squad because we played 16 Premier League games, five of them without Moises Caicedo, 11 of them without Cole Palmer, nearly every one of them without Liam Delap," he said.

"And this squad, regardless of who is playing, they are doing exceptionally. Today was five games in 12 days so certainly when you see Cole Palmer there, we have 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 happy for the players and it's something that I would want people outside to recognize because the effort from the players is outstanding."

Chelsea's triumph over Everton consolidated 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 in the coming days.

Speculation Regarding Maresca's Remark

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

In that window, the coach had returned with his backroom team and players from his native Italy, held a session at Cobham, faced a pre-match news conference where he appeared at ease, and secured a victory over an in-form Everton side.

It was unclear whether any particular media reports had unsettled him, if social media discourse were a factor, or if it was something more significant from within the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca only sought to deny that it was an issue related to the club's fans, a section of which have still have yet to fully embrace him since his appointment from Leicester in July 2024.