Chelsea's Manager Maresca Describes Pre-Match Period as His 'Toughest Two Days' with the Blues

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca remarked that the build-up to the weekend's win against Everton represented "the worst 48 hours" since his arrival at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian offered a rather mysterious message in his after-game press conference even after notching a 2-0 win at home courtesy of finishes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those points lifted Chelsea back into the Premier League's top four, potentially improving the atmosphere after a defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League that had stretched the side's winless run to consecutive outings.

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

"The way the lads are eager to develop has been superb and this is the explanation why I applaud them - because with numerous issues, they are excelling after a difficult week," he said.

"From the moment I arrived at the club, the previous 48 hours have been the toughest because many people failed to back us."

When pushed further on the specifics, 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 very content with the fans."

Injury and Suspension Woes

Maresca also highlighted Chelsea's ongoing fitness and suspension issues, noting they had been missing key forward Cole Palmer for a large portion of the season, in addition to losing key midfielder Moises Caicedo to a three-game ban and forward Liam Delap to two significant injuries.

"I really praise 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, nearly every one of them minus Liam Delap," he explained.

"And this squad, no matter who is on the pitch, they are doing fantastic. Today was five games in 12 days so undoubtedly when you see Cole Palmer available, we have said many times that he's our top player but we play the vast majority of the season minus our top player.

"We play five 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 want people outside to appreciate because the work 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 last-eight tie at Cardiff and a league journey to Newcastle to come next week.

Speculation Regarding Maresca's Comments

It was unclear who or what prompted Maresca to label the past 48 hours as the worst of his time as Chelsea manager.

In that timeframe, the coach had traveled back with his staff and players from Bergamo, conducted a session at Cobham, faced a pre-game press briefing where he appeared relaxed, and secured a victory over an in-form Everton side.

It was unclear whether any particular media reports had unsettled him, if online comments played a role, or if it was something more significant from inside the club at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca only sought to rule out that it was an issue involving the club's supporters, a section of which have not yet fully embrace him since his arrival from Leicester during July last year.