The Boss Enzo Maresca Describes Pre-Match Period as The 'Toughest Two Days' with the Club
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca stated that the run-up to Saturday's victory against Everton constituted "the most challenging 48 hours" he has experienced at Stamford Bridge.
The 44-year-old made a somewhat cryptic comment in his after-game press conference despite earning a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge courtesy of goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.
Those three precious points propelled Chelsea once again into the English top flight's top four, potentially improving the mood after a defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League that had extended the side's drought without a win to consecutive matches.
However, when questioned about Gusto's assist and general performance, Maresca unexpectedly divulged his displeasure over the previous 48-hour period at the organization.
"The way the lads want to learn has been excellent and this is the explanation why I applaud them - because with so many issues, they are performing admirably after a difficult week," he said.
"Since I joined the club, the previous 48 hours have been the most difficult because several people failed to back us."
When pushed further on the specifics, the ex- Leicester City manager continued: "Worst 48 hours since I came to the club because people didn't support me and the team."
When asked if he meant people within at Chelsea, he responded: "In general. Overall," before specifying when asked if it was aimed at fans or the press: "I adore the fans and we are very pleased with the fans."
Fitness and Disciplinary Crisis
Maresca also pointed to Chelsea's persistent injury and disciplinary problems, remarking they had been missing star attacker Cole Palmer for much of the campaign, in addition to losing key midfielder Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and striker Liam Delap to a couple of serious injuries.
"I really applaud the players and the squad because we have played 16 Premier League games, five of them minus Moises Caicedo, eleven of them without Cole Palmer, almost all of them minus Liam Delap," he said.
"And this squad, no matter who is on the pitch, they are doing brilliantly. Today was 5 games in 12 days so undoubtedly when you see Cole Palmer playing, we have said many times that he's our finest player but we play the vast majority of the season without our top player.
"We play 5 games in the Premier League without Moises Caicedo. This is the explanation why I'm so happy for the players and it's something that I would like people outside to recognize because the commitment from the players is fantastic."
Chelsea's triumph over Everton cemented their position in 4th place in the Premier League table, with a Carabao Cup last-eight tie at Cardiff and a league journey to Newcastle scheduled next week.
Speculation Regarding Maresca's Remark
It was ambiguous who or what prompted Maresca to label the previous 48 hours as the most difficult of his spell as Chelsea head coach.
In that window, the coach had returned with his staff and players from his native Italy, held a training session at the training ground, attended a pre-game news conference where he seemed at ease, and secured a win over an high-flying Everton side.
It was not obvious whether any particular media reports had irked him, if online comments played a role, or if it was something deeper from within the club 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 warm to him since his arrival from Leicester in July 2024.
