The Manager Enzo Maresca Describes Pre-Match Period as The 'Most Difficult 48 Hours' at the Blues

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

The 44-year-old offered a rather mysterious comment in his after-game media briefing even after securing a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge courtesy of strikes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those points sent Chelsea once again into the Premier League's top four, potentially lightening the mood following a loss to Atalanta in the Champions League that had stretched the side's winless run to consecutive fixtures.

Yet, when asked about Gusto's assist and overall display, Maresca unexpectedly disclosed his frustration over the previous two days at the organization.

"The way the lads are eager to learn has been superb and this is the explanation why I praise them - because with a host of issues, they are excelling after a difficult week," he stated.

"Since I joined the club, the past 48 hours have been the toughest because a lot of people failed to back us."

When pushed further on what he meant, the former Leicester City manager added: "Worst 48 hours since I joined the club because people didn't support me and the team."

When asked if he meant people internally at Chelsea, he answered: "Broadly speaking. Overall," before specifying when queried if it was aimed at supporters or the press: "I love the fans and we are extremely happy with the fans."

Injury and Suspension Woes

Maresca also drew attention to Chelsea's persistent injury and disciplinary issues, remarking they had been missing key forward Cole Palmer for a large portion of the season, in addition to losing linchpin Moises Caicedo to a three-game ban and striker Liam Delap to two serious injuries.

"I really applaud the players and the squad because we have played 16 Premier League games, five of them without Moises Caicedo, eleven of them without Cole Palmer, almost all of them minus Liam Delap," he said.

"And this squad, no matter who is playing, they are performing fantastic. Today was 5 games in 12 days so certainly when you see Cole Palmer playing, we said many times that he's our top player but we play the vast majority of the season minus our best player.

"We play 5 games in the Premier League without Moises Caicedo. This is the reason why I'm so happy for the players and it's something that I would want people outside to recognize because the effort from the players is outstanding."

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

Uncertainty Over Maresca's Remark

It was unclear who or what caused Maresca to describe the past 48 hours as the worst of his spell as Chelsea manager.

In that window, the Italian had returned with his backroom team and players from his native Italy, conducted a training session at the training ground, attended a pre-game news conference where he appeared relaxed, and engineered a win over an in-form Everton side.

It was unclear whether any specific media reports had irked him, if online comments were a factor, or if it was something more significant from inside the club at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca only sought to rule out that it was an issue involving the club's fans, some of whom have still have yet to fully warm to him since his arrival from Leicester during July last year.