Chelsea's Manager Enzo Maresca Describes Lead-Up Time as The 'Toughest Two Days' at the Blues

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca revealed that the build-up to the weekend's triumph against Everton was "the most challenging 48 hours" since his arrival at Stamford Bridge.

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

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

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

"The way the lads are eager to learn has been superb and this is the reason why I commend them - because with a host of issues, they are performing admirably after a complicated week," he stated.

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

When pushed further on his meaning, the ex- Leicester City boss added: "Most difficult 48 hours since I came to the club because people didn't support me and the team."

When questioned if he meant people within at Chelsea, he responded: "Broadly speaking. Overall," before clarifying when asked if it was directed towards supporters or the press: "I love the fans and we are extremely happy with the fans."

Fitness & Disciplinary Crisis

Maresca also pointed to Chelsea's ongoing fitness and disciplinary issues, noting they had been missing star attacker Cole Palmer for much of the campaign, as well as losing linchpin Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and striker Liam Delap to a couple of significant injuries.

"I really praise the players and the squad because we have played 16 Premier League games, 5 of them without Moises Caicedo, 11 of them minus Cole Palmer, nearly every one of them without Liam Delap," he explained.

"And this squad, regardless of who is playing, they are doing fantastic. Today was 5 games in 12 days so undoubtedly when you see Cole Palmer there, we said many times that he's our finest player but we play almost all season without our best player.

"We play five games in the Premier League without Moises Caicedo. This is the explanation why I'm so delighted for the players and it's something that I would like people externally to acknowledge because the commitment from the players is remarkable."

Chelsea's success over Everton cemented their standing in fourth in the Premier League standings, with a Carabao Cup last-eight clash at Cardiff and a league journey to Newcastle to come in the coming days.

Uncertainty Over Maresca's Remark

It was not immediately clear what exactly caused Maresca to describe the previous 48 hours as the most difficult of his spell as Chelsea head coach.

In that window, the coach had returned with his backroom team and players from Bergamo, conducted a training session at Cobham, attended a pre-match press briefing where he appeared relaxed, and engineered a win over an in-form Everton side.

It was hard to discern whether any specific media reports had unsettled him, if social media discourse were a factor, or if it was something deeper from within the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.

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