The Boss Maresca Calls Pre-Match Time as His 'Toughest Two Days' with the Club

Chelsea tactician Enzo Maresca stated that the run-up to Saturday's triumph against Everton constituted "the toughest 48 hours" since his arrival with the London club.

The Italian made a puzzling comment in his after-game press conference even after notching a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge through finishes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those crucial points lifted Chelsea back into the Premier League's top four, potentially improving the atmosphere after a loss to Atalanta in the Champions League that had stretched the side's drought without a win to four matches.

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

"The way the players are eager to learn has been excellent and this is the explanation why I commend them - because with numerous challenges, they are doing very well after a complicated week," he commented.

"From the moment I arrived at the club, the previous 48 hours have been the toughest because a lot of people didn't support us."

Pressed on the specifics, the former Leicester City manager elaborated: "Most difficult 48 hours since I joined the club because people didn't support me and the team."

When questioned if he was referring to people within at Chelsea, he answered: "Broadly speaking. Overall," before specifying when asked if it was aimed at supporters or the media: "I adore the fans and we are extremely content with the fans."

Injury and Disciplinary Crisis

Maresca also highlighted Chelsea's persistent fitness and suspension problems, remarking they had been missing star attacker Cole Palmer for a large portion of the season, as well as being deprived of linchpin Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and striker Liam Delap to a couple of significant injuries.

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

"And this squad, no matter who is playing, they are performing exceptionally. Today was five games in 12 days so certainly when you see Cole Palmer available, we have said many times that he's our top player but we play almost all season minus our best player.

"We play 5 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 want people outside to appreciate because the effort from the players is fantastic."

Chelsea's success over Everton strengthened their position in 4th place in the Premier League standings, with a Carabao Cup last-eight clash at Cardiff and a league journey to Newcastle to come next week.

Uncertainty Over Maresca's Comments

It was unclear who or what prompted Maresca to label the past 48 hours as the most difficult of his spell as Chelsea manager.

In that window, the Italian had returned with his staff and players from Bergamo, held a training session at Cobham, attended a pre-game press briefing where he appeared relaxed, and secured a win over an high-flying Everton side.

It was hard to discern whether any specific press stories had unsettled him, if social media discourse played a role, or if it was something more significant from inside the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca only sought to deny that it was an matter involving the club's fans, some of whom have not yet fully embrace him since his appointment from Leicester in July 2024.