The Boss Enzo Maresca Calls Pre-Match Period as His 'Worst Two Days' at the Club

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

The Italian made a rather mysterious statement in his post-match press conference even after securing a 2-0 win at home courtesy of finishes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those points sent Chelsea once again into the Premier League's top four, perhaps lightening the atmosphere following a defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League that had stretched the side's winless run to four outings.

Yet, when asked about the full-back's contribution and general performance, Maresca unexpectedly shared his frustration over the preceding two days within the organization.

"How the squad are eager to improve has been fantastic and this is the explanation why I applaud them - because with a host of issues, they are performing admirably after a difficult week," he said.

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

Pressed on what he meant, the former Leicester City boss elaborated: "Most difficult 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 replied: "Broadly speaking. In general," before specifying when queried if it was directed towards supporters or the press: "I love the fans and we are very pleased with the fans."

Injury and Suspension Woes

Maresca also drew attention to Chelsea's ongoing injury and suspension problems, remarking they had been without star attacker Cole Palmer for much of the season, in addition to being deprived of linchpin 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 without Moises Caicedo, eleven of them without Cole Palmer, almost all of them minus Liam Delap," he said.

"And this squad, regardless of who is on the pitch, they are performing fantastic. Today was five games in 12 days so undoubtedly when you see Cole Palmer playing, we said many times that he's our best player but we play almost all season minus our top player.

"We play five 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 like people externally to acknowledge because the commitment from the players is remarkable."

Chelsea's win over Everton cemented their standing in fourth in the Premier League standings, with a Carabao Cup last-eight tie at Cardiff and a league trip to Newcastle to come next week.

Speculation Regarding Maresca's Remark

It was ambiguous who or what caused Maresca to describe the past 48 hours as the worst of his tenure as Chelsea manager.

In that window, the Italian had traveled back with his backroom team and players from his native Italy, conducted a training session at the training ground, attended a pre-match press briefing where he seemed at ease, and secured a win over an in-form Everton team.

It was unclear whether any specific press stories 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 issue related to the club's supporters, a section of which have not yet fully warm to him since his arrival from Leicester in July 2024.