The Boss Enzo Maresca Describes Pre-Match Period as His 'Most Difficult Two Days' with the Club

Chelsea tactician Enzo Maresca revealed that the preparation to the weekend's victory against Everton was "the toughest 48 hours" he has experienced at Stamford Bridge.

The 44-year-old offered a puzzling statement in his after-game press conference despite securing a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge courtesy of goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those points sent Chelsea back into the Premier League's top four, potentially improving the atmosphere after a defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League that had stretched the side's winless run to four outings.

However, when questioned about the full-back's contribution and general performance, Maresca unexpectedly divulged his frustration over the previous 48-hour period at the club.

"The way the players want to improve has been excellent and this is the reason why I commend them - because with so many problems, they are doing very well after a tricky week," he stated.

"From the moment I arrived at the club, the past 48 hours have been the toughest because several people withheld support from us."

When pushed further on the specifics, the ex- Leicester City boss added: "Worst 48 hours since I came to the club because people failed to back me and the team."

When questioned if he was referring to people internally at Chelsea, he responded: "In general. Overall," before clarifying when asked if it was directed towards supporters or the media: "I love the fans and we are very pleased with the fans."

Fitness & Disciplinary Woes

Maresca also drew attention to Chelsea's persistent injury and disciplinary issues, noting they had been missing key forward Cole Palmer for a large portion of the season, as well as losing linchpin Moises Caicedo to a three-game 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 minus Moises Caicedo, eleven of them minus Cole Palmer, almost all of them minus Liam Delap," he said.

"And this squad, no matter who is playing, they are doing brilliantly. Today was five games in 12 days so certainly when you see Cole Palmer there, we have said many times that he's our best player but we play almost all season without our best player.

"We play 5 games in the Premier League minus Moises Caicedo. This is the explanation why I'm so pleased 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 win over Everton cemented their standing in 4th place in the Premier League table, with a Carabao Cup last-eight tie at Cardiff and a league trip to Newcastle to come in the coming days.

Speculation Over Maresca's Remark

It was not immediately clear what exactly prompted Maresca to describe the past 48 hours as the most difficult of his time as Chelsea manager.

In that period, the coach had returned with his backroom team and players from his native Italy, conducted a training session at Cobham, faced a pre-match press briefing where he appeared at ease, and secured a victory over an in-form Everton team.

It was not obvious whether any specific press stories had irked him, if online discourse were a factor, or if it was something deeper from within the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca only sought to deny that it was an matter involving the club's fans, a section of which have still have yet to fully embrace him since his appointment from Leicester during July last year.