The Boss Maresca Labels Pre-Match Time as His 'Worst Two Days' with the Club

Chelsea tactician Enzo Maresca revealed that the preparation to the weekend's victory against Everton was "the worst 48 hours" of his tenure with the London club.

The 44-year-old made a puzzling comment in his after-game press conference even after earning a 2-0 win at home courtesy of finishes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those points propelled Chelsea back into the English top flight's top four, potentially lightening the mood after a defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League that had extended the side's winless run to four fixtures.

But, when asked about Gusto's contribution and overall display, Maresca unexpectedly shared his frustration over the preceding 48-hour period at the club.

"The way the squad are eager to learn has been superb and this is the reason why I praise them - because with so many challenges, they are doing very well after a difficult week," he stated.

"From the moment I arrived at the club, the last 48 hours have been the worst because several people didn't support us."

When pushed further on what he meant, the former Leicester City manager elaborated: "Most difficult 48 hours since I came to the club because people failed to back me and the team."

When questioned if he was referring to people within at Chelsea, he replied: "Broadly speaking. Overall," before clarifying when asked if it was directed towards fans or the media: "I adore the fans and we are very happy with the fans."

Fitness and Suspension Woes

Maresca also drew attention to Chelsea's persistent injury and suspension issues, noting they had been missing star attacker Cole Palmer for much of the season, as well as losing key midfielder Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and striker Liam Delap to a couple of serious injuries.

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

"And this squad, regardless of who is playing, they are doing exceptionally. Today was 5 games in 12 days so for sure when you see Cole Palmer available, we have said many times that he's our finest player but we play the vast majority of the season minus our top player.

"We play 5 games in the Premier League without Moises Caicedo. This is the explanation why I'm so happy for the players and it's something that I would like people outside to acknowledge because the work from the players is remarkable."

Chelsea's triumph over Everton cemented their position in fourth in the Premier League table, with a Carabao Cup last-eight tie at Cardiff and a league trip to Newcastle to come next week.

Speculation Over Maresca's Remark

It was ambiguous what exactly prompted Maresca to describe the previous 48 hours as the worst of his tenure as Chelsea head coach.

In that window, the Italian had traveled back with his staff and players from Bergamo, conducted a training session at the training ground, faced a pre-game news conference where he appeared relaxed, and secured a win over an in-form Everton side.

It was not obvious whether any specific press stories had unsettled him, if online comments were a factor, or if it was something more significant from within the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca only sought 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 arrival from Leicester during July last year.