The Boss Enzo Maresca Describes Pre-Match Time as The 'Worst Two Days' at the Blues

Chelsea tactician Enzo Maresca revealed that the build-up to the weekend's victory against Everton constituted "the toughest 48 hours" he has experienced with the London club.

The Italian offered a rather mysterious message in his post-match interview despite securing a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge through goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those three precious points sent Chelsea back into the Premier League's top four, perhaps lightening the atmosphere following a loss to Atalanta in the Champions League that had stretched the team's drought without a win to consecutive fixtures.

However, when asked about Gusto's contribution and overall performance, Maresca unexpectedly disclosed his frustration over the preceding two days at the club.

"The way the players want to develop has been superb and this is the explanation why I applaud them - because with so many issues, they are doing very well after a complicated week," he said.

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

Pressed on his meaning, the ex- Leicester City boss continued: "Most difficult 48 hours since I came to the club because people didn't support me and the team."

When questioned if he meant people internally at Chelsea, he replied: "In general. In general," before clarifying when asked if it was directed towards fans or the press: "I love the fans and we are very pleased with the fans."

Injury and Disciplinary Crisis

Maresca also highlighted Chelsea's ongoing injury and suspension problems, remarking they had been missing key forward Cole Palmer for much of the campaign, in addition to losing linchpin Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and forward Liam Delap to two serious injuries.

"I really praise the players and the squad because we played 16 Premier League games, five of them minus Moises Caicedo, 11 of them minus Cole Palmer, nearly every one of them minus Liam Delap," he explained.

"And this squad, no matter who is playing, they are performing exceptionally. Today was 5 games in 12 days so certainly when you see Cole Palmer there, we have said many times that he's our best player but we play almost all season minus our best player.

"We play five games in the Premier League minus Moises Caicedo. This is the reason why I'm so pleased for the players and it's something that I would want people externally to recognize because the effort from the players is outstanding."

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

Uncertainty Over Maresca's Remark

It was ambiguous who or what caused Maresca to label the previous 48 hours as the most difficult of his time as Chelsea manager.

In that window, the Italian had returned with his backroom team and players from his native Italy, conducted a session at Cobham, attended a pre-game news conference where he seemed at ease, and secured a win over an in-form Everton team.

It was not obvious whether any specific media reports had irked him, if social media comments played a role, or if it was something more significant from inside the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca only sought to rule out that it was an issue involving the club's supporters, some of whom have still have yet to fully warm to him since his arrival from Leicester in July last year.