The Boss Maresca Calls Lead-Up Period as The 'Worst Two Days' with the Blues

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

The Italian delivered a puzzling comment in his post-match interview despite notching a 2-0 win at home courtesy of goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

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

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

"How the players are eager to learn has been superb and this is the explanation why I applaud them - because with so many problems, they are doing very well after a difficult week," he said.

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

When pushed further on what he meant, the former Leicester City boss added: "Most difficult 48 hours since I came to the club because people failed to back me and the team."

When questioned if he meant people within at Chelsea, he answered: "In general. In general," before specifying when asked if it was aimed at fans or the media: "I adore the fans and we are extremely pleased with the fans."

Injury and Suspension Woes

Maresca also highlighted Chelsea's ongoing fitness and suspension issues, remarking 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-game ban and striker Liam Delap to two serious injuries.

"I truly 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, nearly every one of them minus Liam Delap," he said.

"And this squad, no matter who is on the pitch, they are doing exceptionally. Today was 5 games in 12 days so undoubtedly when you see Cole Palmer available, we said many times that he's our best player but we play the vast majority of the season without our top player.

"We play 5 games in the Premier League minus Moises Caicedo. This is the explanation why I'm so happy for the players and it's something that I would want people externally to acknowledge because the effort from the players is outstanding."

Chelsea's success over Everton cemented their position in 4th place in the Premier League standings, with a Carabao Cup quarter-final tie at Cardiff and a league trip to Newcastle to come in the coming days.

Speculation Regarding Maresca's Comments

It was ambiguous what exactly prompted Maresca to describe the previous 48 hours as the worst of his time as Chelsea manager.

In that period, the Italian had returned with his backroom team and players from Bergamo, conducted a session at Cobham, attended a pre-game news conference where he appeared relaxed, and secured a victory over an in-form Everton team.

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

Maresca specifically took care to deny that it was an matter involving the club's supporters, a section of which have still have yet to fully embrace him since his appointment from Leicester in July 2024.