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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca revealed that the run-up to Saturday's victory against Everton was "the toughest 48 hours" he has experienced with the London club.

The Italian delivered a rather mysterious message in his post-match media briefing despite securing a 2-0 win at home thanks to goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those points propelled Chelsea back into the Premier League's top four, potentially lightening the atmosphere after a defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League that had extended the side's drought without a win to consecutive fixtures.

Yet, when questioned about Gusto's assist and general performance, Maresca unexpectedly disclosed his annoyance over the previous 48-hour period within the club.

"The way the players want to improve has been superb and this is the explanation why I praise them - because with so many challenges, they are doing very well after a difficult week," he commented.

"From the moment I arrived at the club, the last 48 hours have been the toughest because several people withheld support from us."

When pushed further on the specifics, the former Leicester City manager elaborated: "Worst 48 hours since I came to the club because people didn't support me and the team."

When questioned if he was referring to people within at Chelsea, he responded: "Broadly speaking. In general," before clarifying when asked if it was directed towards supporters or the media: "I adore the fans and we are extremely content with the fans."

Injury & Suspension Woes

Maresca also highlighted Chelsea's persistent injury and disciplinary problems, noting they had been without star attacker Cole Palmer for a large portion of the campaign, as well as losing key midfielder Moises Caicedo to a three-game ban and forward Liam Delap to two significant injuries.

"I really commend the players and the squad because we played 16 Premier League games, 5 of them minus Moises Caicedo, 11 of them minus Cole Palmer, almost all of them without Liam Delap," he explained.

"And this squad, regardless of who is playing, they are doing brilliantly. Today was 5 games in 12 days so for sure 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 explanation why I'm so delighted for the players and it's something that I would like people outside to recognize because the work from the players is outstanding."

Chelsea's success over Everton consolidated their position in 4th place in the Premier League standings, with a Carabao Cup last-eight tie at Cardiff and a league journey to Newcastle scheduled in the coming days.

Speculation Regarding Maresca's Comments

It was unclear what exactly prompted Maresca to describe the previous 48 hours as the worst of his spell as Chelsea manager.

In that timeframe, the coach had traveled back with his backroom team and players from Bergamo, held a training session at Cobham, attended a pre-game press briefing where he appeared at ease, and engineered a win over an in-form Everton side.

It was not obvious whether any specific press stories had unsettled him, if social media discourse played a role, or if it was something deeper from inside the club at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca specifically took care to deny that it was an matter involving the club's supporters, some of whom have not yet fully warm to him since his arrival from Leicester in July 2024.