Chelsea's Manager Enzo Maresca Describes Lead-Up Period as The 'Worst 48 Hours' at the Club

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

The 44-year-old made a somewhat cryptic comment in his post-match interview despite earning a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge courtesy of strikes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those crucial points sent Chelsea back into the Premier League's top four, potentially improving the atmosphere following a loss to Atalanta in the Champions League that had stretched the side's winless run to four outings.

Yet, when questioned about Gusto's contribution and overall performance, Maresca unexpectedly disclosed his frustration over the preceding two days at the organization.

"How the lads want to develop has been excellent and this is the reason why I praise them - because with so many issues, they are excelling after a tricky week," he commented.

"Since I joined the club, the last 48 hours have been the worst because several people failed to back us."

Pressed on the specifics, the ex- Leicester City manager added: "Most difficult 48 hours since I joined the club because people didn't support me and the team."

When asked if he meant people internally at Chelsea, he answered: "In general. In general," before specifying when queried if it was directed towards supporters or the press: "I love the fans and we are very happy with the fans."

Fitness & Suspension Woes

Maresca also drew attention to Chelsea's ongoing fitness and suspension issues, remarking they had been missing key forward Cole Palmer for a large portion of the season, as well as losing key midfielder Moises Caicedo to a three-game ban and striker Liam Delap to a couple of significant injuries.

"I truly commend the players and the squad because we have played 16 Premier League games, 5 of them minus Moises Caicedo, 11 of them without Cole Palmer, nearly every one of them minus Liam Delap," he said.

"And this squad, regardless of who is playing, they are doing exceptionally. Today was five games in 12 days so for sure when you see Cole Palmer there, we said many times that he's our best player but we play the vast majority of the season without our top player.

"We play 5 games in the Premier League without 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 recognize because the work from the players is outstanding."

Chelsea's win over Everton strengthened their position in fourth in the Premier League standings, with a Carabao Cup quarter-final tie at Cardiff and a league trip to Newcastle to come in the coming days.

Uncertainty Regarding Maresca's Remark

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

In that window, the Italian had returned with his backroom team and players from his native Italy, held a training session at Cobham, attended a pre-game news conference where he appeared at ease, and secured a win over an high-flying Everton side.

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

Maresca only sought to deny that it was an matter involving the club's fans, some of whom have still have yet to fully embrace him since his arrival from Leicester in July last year.