The Boss Maresca Describes Pre-Match Time as His 'Toughest Two Days' at the Club

Chelsea tactician Enzo Maresca remarked that the run-up to the weekend's victory against Everton constituted "the toughest 48 hours" he has experienced at Stamford Bridge.

The 44-year-old delivered a puzzling statement in his after-game press conference despite earning a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge through strikes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those three precious points sent Chelsea once again into the Premier League's top four, potentially lightening the mood after a loss to Atalanta in the Champions League that had extended the team's winless run to consecutive outings.

But, when questioned about the full-back's contribution and general performance, Maresca surprisingly shared his frustration over the preceding two days within the club.

"The way the squad are eager to learn has been fantastic and this is the reason why I commend them - because with numerous problems, they are doing very well after a difficult week," he stated.

"From the moment I arrived at the club, the previous 48 hours have been the most difficult because a lot of people didn't support us."

Pressed on his meaning, the former Leicester City manager continued: "Most difficult 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 internally at Chelsea, he replied: "Broadly speaking. In general," before clarifying when asked if it was directed towards supporters or the press: "I love the fans and we are very happy with the fans."

Fitness & Suspension Crisis

Maresca also pointed to Chelsea's ongoing fitness and disciplinary issues, noting they had been missing star attacker Cole Palmer for a large portion of the campaign, in addition to being deprived of linchpin Moises Caicedo to a three-game ban and forward Liam Delap to two 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 minus Cole Palmer, almost all of them minus Liam Delap," he said.

"And this squad, no matter who is on the pitch, they are doing fantastic. 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 the vast majority of the season minus our top player.

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

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

Uncertainty Over Maresca's Comments

It was not immediately clear what exactly caused Maresca to label the past 48 hours as the most difficult of his tenure as Chelsea manager.

In that window, the Italian had returned with his backroom team and players from his native Italy, held a session at the training ground, faced a pre-game press briefing where he appeared at ease, and secured a win over an in-form Everton team.

It was unclear whether any specific media reports had unsettled him, if online comments were a factor, or if it was something deeper from inside the club 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 still have yet to fully embrace him since his appointment from Leicester during July last year.