The Boss Maresca Labels Pre-Match Time as The 'Worst Two Days' at the Blues
Chelsea tactician Enzo Maresca stated that the build-up to Saturday's victory against Everton represented "the worst 48 hours" since his arrival at Stamford Bridge.
The 44-year-old offered a rather mysterious message in his post-match press conference even after earning a 2-0 win at home courtesy of goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.
Those three precious points sent Chelsea back into the Premier League's top four, perhaps improving the atmosphere following a defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League that had stretched the side's winless run to four outings.
However, when questioned about Gusto's assist and overall performance, Maresca surprisingly divulged his displeasure over the preceding 48-hour period at the club.
"The way the squad want to improve has been excellent and this is the explanation why I commend them - because with numerous issues, they are excelling after a tricky week," he stated.
"From the moment I arrived at the club, the previous 48 hours have been the most difficult because many people withheld support from us."
Pressed on his meaning, the ex- Leicester City boss added: "Worst 48 hours since I joined the club because people failed to back me and the team."
When questioned if he meant people within at Chelsea, he responded: "Broadly speaking. In general," before specifying when asked if it was directed towards fans or the media: "I adore the fans and we are very pleased with the fans."
Injury and Suspension Woes
Maresca also highlighted Chelsea's ongoing fitness and suspension issues, 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 a couple of serious injuries.
"I really commend 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, no matter who is on the pitch, they are performing exceptionally. Today was 5 games in 12 days so certainly when you see Cole Palmer available, 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 five 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 want people externally to appreciate because the effort from the players is fantastic."
Chelsea's success over Everton strengthened their standing in fourth in the Premier League table, with a Carabao Cup last-eight clash at Cardiff and a league trip to Newcastle to come next week.
Uncertainty Regarding Maresca's Comments
It was unclear what exactly caused Maresca to label the past 48 hours as the worst of his time as Chelsea manager.
In that timeframe, the Italian had returned with his staff and players from Bergamo, conducted a training session at Cobham, faced a pre-game news conference where he seemed relaxed, and secured a win over an in-form Everton team.
It was not obvious whether any specific media reports had unsettled him, if social media comments 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 issue involving the club's supporters, some of whom have still have yet to fully embrace him since his arrival from Leicester in July 2024.
