Chelsea's Manager Maresca Describes Lead-Up Time as His 'Most Difficult Two Days' with the Club

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca stated that the preparation to the weekend's win against Everton was "the toughest 48 hours" of his tenure at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian offered a puzzling statement in his after-game interview even after securing a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge courtesy of strikes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those points propelled Chelsea once again into the Premier League's top four, potentially improving the atmosphere after a loss to Atalanta in the Champions League that had stretched the side's drought without a win to consecutive outings.

Yet, when asked about the full-back's assist and general performance, Maresca unexpectedly disclosed his annoyance over the previous 48-hour period within the organization.

"How the squad are eager to improve has been excellent and this is the explanation why I commend them - because with numerous challenges, they are excelling after a tricky week," he stated.

"Since I joined the club, the previous 48 hours have been the toughest because a lot of people didn't support us."

Pressed on what he meant, 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 meant people within at Chelsea, he replied: "In general. In general," before clarifying when asked if it was directed towards supporters or the press: "I adore the fans and we are very content with the fans."

Injury & Disciplinary Woes

Maresca also pointed to Chelsea's ongoing injury and suspension problems, noting they had been without star attacker Cole Palmer for a large portion of the campaign, in addition to being deprived of linchpin Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and forward Liam Delap to two serious injuries.

"I really praise the players and the squad because we have played 16 Premier League games, five of them minus Moises Caicedo, 11 of them minus Cole Palmer, nearly every one of them minus Liam Delap," he explained.

"And this squad, regardless of who is on the pitch, they are performing brilliantly. Today was 5 games in 12 days so for sure when you see Cole Palmer playing, we have said many times that he's our top player but we play the vast majority of the season without our best player.

"We play 5 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 acknowledge because the work from the players is outstanding."

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

Uncertainty Regarding Maresca's Comments

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

In that timeframe, the coach had returned with his staff and players from his native Italy, held a session at the training ground, faced a pre-game news conference where he appeared at ease, and secured a win over an high-flying Everton team.

It was hard to discern whether any particular media reports had irked him, if online discourse played a role, or if it was something deeper from inside the club at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca only sought to rule out that it was an matter related to the club's supporters, a section of which have still have yet to fully embrace him since his appointment from Leicester during July last year.