Chelsea's Manager Enzo Maresca Labels Lead-Up Period as His 'Worst Two Days' with the Club

Chelsea tactician Enzo Maresca revealed that the build-up to Saturday's victory against Everton constituted "the toughest 48 hours" since his arrival at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian offered a rather mysterious message in his post-match press conference even after notching a 2-0 win at home thanks to goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those crucial points propelled Chelsea once again into the Premier League's top four, perhaps lightening the mood after a loss to Atalanta in the Champions League that had stretched the team's winless run to consecutive matches.

However, when asked about the full-back's contribution and overall display, Maresca surprisingly divulged his annoyance over the preceding 48-hour period at the organization.

"The way the squad want to learn has been excellent and this is the reason why I praise them - because with so many problems, they are doing very well after a complicated week," he commented.

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

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

When asked if he was referring to people internally at Chelsea, he replied: "Broadly speaking. Overall," before clarifying when asked if it was aimed at fans or the media: "I adore the fans and we are extremely content with the fans."

Fitness and Suspension Crisis

Maresca also highlighted Chelsea's persistent fitness and suspension issues, remarking they had been missing key forward Cole Palmer for much of the campaign, in addition to being deprived of linchpin Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and striker Liam Delap to two significant injuries.

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

"And this squad, regardless of who is on the pitch, they are performing brilliantly. Today was 5 games in 12 days so undoubtedly when you see Cole Palmer available, we have 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 pleased for the players and it's something that I would like people externally to acknowledge because the work from the players is outstanding."

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

Speculation Regarding Maresca's Comments

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

In that window, the Italian had returned with his staff and players from his native Italy, conducted a training session at Cobham, attended a pre-match press briefing where he appeared relaxed, and secured a victory over an high-flying Everton side.

It was unclear whether any particular press stories had irked him, if online comments played a role, or if it was something deeper from within the club at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca specifically took care to rule out that it was an issue related to the club's fans, some of whom have still have yet to fully embrace him since his arrival from Leicester in July last year.