The Boss Maresca Describes Lead-Up Period as The 'Worst 48 Hours' at the Blues
Chelsea tactician Enzo Maresca remarked that the preparation to Saturday's triumph against Everton represented "the worst 48 hours" of his tenure at Stamford Bridge.
The Italian made a puzzling message in his post-match media briefing despite earning a 2-0 win at home through goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.
Those three precious points sent Chelsea back into the English top flight's top four, perhaps lightening the mood after a loss to Atalanta in the Champions League that had stretched the side's winless run to consecutive fixtures.
Yet, when asked about the full-back's contribution and overall performance, Maresca unexpectedly disclosed his displeasure over the previous two days within the club.
"The way the squad are eager to develop has been superb and this is the reason why I commend them - because with a host of problems, they are performing admirably after a tricky week," he stated.
"Since I joined the club, the last 48 hours have been the worst because a lot of people didn't support us."
When pushed further on his meaning, the ex- Leicester City boss continued: "Worst 48 hours since I joined the club because people failed to back me and the team."
When questioned if he meant people internally at Chelsea, he replied: "Broadly speaking. Overall," before clarifying when queried if it was aimed at fans or the press: "I love the fans and we are extremely content with the fans."
Fitness and Suspension Woes
Maresca also highlighted Chelsea's ongoing injury and suspension issues, noting they had been without key forward Cole Palmer for much of the season, as well as losing key midfielder Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and forward Liam Delap to two significant injuries.
"I truly applaud the players and the squad because we have played 16 Premier League games, five of them minus Moises Caicedo, eleven of them minus Cole Palmer, almost all of them minus Liam Delap," he explained.
"And this squad, regardless of who is playing, they are doing brilliantly. Today was five games in 12 days so certainly when you see Cole Palmer available, we have said many times that he's our best 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 like people externally to acknowledge because the work from the players is outstanding."
Chelsea's success 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 scheduled next week.
Speculation Over Maresca's Remark
It was not immediately clear what exactly caused Maresca to describe the past 48 hours as the worst of his time as Chelsea head coach.
In that period, the Italian had returned with his backroom team and players from his native Italy, conducted a session at the training ground, faced a pre-match press briefing where he seemed at ease, and secured a win over an high-flying Everton side.
It was unclear whether any particular media reports had unsettled him, if online comments played a role, or if it was something deeper from within the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca specifically took care to rule out that it was an matter related to the club's fans, some of whom have not yet fully embrace him since his appointment from Leicester in July last year.
