The Manager Maresca Describes Lead-Up Period as The 'Toughest Two Days' at the Club
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca remarked that the run-up to the weekend's victory against Everton was "the most challenging 48 hours" he has experienced with the London club.
The Italian delivered a somewhat cryptic comment in his post-match media briefing even after earning a 2-0 win at home through goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.
Those crucial points sent Chelsea once again into the English top flight's top four, potentially improving the atmosphere after a loss to Atalanta in the Champions League that had extended the side's drought without a win to consecutive fixtures.
But, when questioned about the full-back's contribution and overall performance, Maresca unexpectedly shared his annoyance over the previous 48-hour period within the organization.
"The way the squad are eager to improve has been fantastic and this is the reason why I applaud them - because with so many challenges, they are excelling after a tricky week," he said.
"From the moment I arrived at the club, the past 48 hours have been the worst because several people didn't support us."
When pushed further on what he meant, the ex- Leicester City boss elaborated: "Worst 48 hours since I joined the club because people didn't support me and the team."
When questioned if he meant people within at Chelsea, he responded: "In general. Overall," before clarifying when asked if it was directed towards fans or the press: "I love the fans and we are extremely pleased with the fans."
Fitness & Disciplinary Crisis
Maresca also drew attention to Chelsea's ongoing injury and disciplinary issues, remarking they had been missing star attacker Cole Palmer for a large portion of the season, as well as being deprived of key midfielder Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and striker Liam Delap to two serious injuries.
"I really applaud the players and the squad because we played 16 Premier League games, five of them without Moises Caicedo, eleven of them minus Cole Palmer, nearly every one of them without Liam Delap," he said.
"And this squad, no matter who is on the pitch, they are performing brilliantly. Today was 5 games in 12 days so undoubtedly when you see Cole Palmer there, we said many times that he's our finest 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 explanation why I'm so happy for the players and it's something that I would like people outside to appreciate because the effort from the players is outstanding."
Chelsea's success over Everton consolidated their position in fourth in the Premier League table, with a Carabao Cup last-eight tie at Cardiff and a league trip to Newcastle scheduled next week.
Uncertainty Regarding Maresca's Remark
It was not immediately clear what exactly prompted Maresca to label the past 48 hours as the worst of his tenure as Chelsea manager.
In that window, the Italian had returned with his staff and players from Bergamo, held a session at Cobham, attended a pre-match news conference 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 social media discourse were a factor, or if it was something deeper from inside the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca specifically took care to deny that it was an matter related to the club's fans, a section of which have not yet fully embrace him since his appointment from Leicester during July 2024.
