Chelsea's Boss Maresca Calls Lead-Up Period as The 'Worst Two Days' with the Club

Chelsea tactician Enzo Maresca stated that the run-up to Saturday's victory against Everton was "the toughest 48 hours" he has experienced at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian made a rather mysterious statement in his post-match media briefing even after earning a 2-0 win at home courtesy of strikes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those three precious points lifted Chelsea once again into the English top flight's top four, perhaps improving the mood following a defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League that had stretched the side's drought without a win to four outings.

But, when questioned about the full-back's contribution and general display, Maresca unexpectedly disclosed his displeasure over the preceding two days at the organization.

"The way the players are eager to improve has been superb and this is the explanation why I applaud them - because with a host of issues, they are doing very well after a difficult week," he commented.

"From the moment I arrived at the club, the previous 48 hours have been the most difficult because several people didn't support us."

Pressed on what he meant, the former Leicester City boss continued: "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 answered: "Broadly speaking. Overall," before specifying when queried if it was directed towards supporters or the media: "I adore the fans and we are extremely content with the fans."

Fitness and Suspension Crisis

Maresca also pointed to Chelsea's ongoing injury and disciplinary problems, noting they had been without star attacker Cole Palmer for much of the campaign, in addition to losing linchpin Moises Caicedo to a three-game ban and striker Liam Delap to two serious injuries.

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

"And this squad, regardless of who is playing, they are performing brilliantly. Today was five 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 almost all season minus our top 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 like people externally to acknowledge because the effort from the players is fantastic."

Chelsea's win over Everton consolidated their position in 4th place in the Premier League table, with a Carabao Cup quarter-final tie at Cardiff and a league journey to Newcastle scheduled next week.

Speculation Over Maresca's Comments

It was not immediately clear who or what prompted Maresca to describe the past 48 hours as the most difficult of his tenure as Chelsea head coach.

In that period, the Italian had returned with his backroom team and players from his native Italy, conducted a training session at Cobham, faced a pre-game press briefing where he appeared at ease, and secured a win over an high-flying Everton side.

It was unclear whether any specific media reports had irked him, if online comments were a factor, or if it was something deeper from within the club at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca specifically took care to rule out that it was an matter involving the club's fans, some of whom have still have yet to fully embrace him since his arrival from Leicester during July last year.