Chelsea's Manager Enzo Maresca Labels Pre-Match Time as The 'Worst Two Days' at the Club

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

The 44-year-old delivered a rather mysterious comment in his after-game press conference even after securing a 2-0 win at home courtesy of goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

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

However, when questioned about Gusto's contribution and general display, Maresca surprisingly disclosed his frustration over the previous two days within the organization.

"How the lads want to learn has been superb and this is the explanation why I applaud them - because with numerous problems, they are performing admirably after a difficult week," he said.

"From the moment I arrived at the club, the last 48 hours have been the most difficult because several people failed to back us."

When pushed further on his meaning, the ex- Leicester City manager added: "Worst 48 hours since I came to the club because people didn't support me and the team."

When questioned if he meant people internally at Chelsea, he answered: "Broadly speaking. In general," before clarifying when queried if it was directed towards fans or the media: "I adore the fans and we are very content with the fans."

Fitness and Disciplinary Crisis

Maresca also highlighted Chelsea's persistent injury and suspension issues, noting they had been missing star attacker Cole Palmer for much of the campaign, as well as losing linchpin Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and striker 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 without Cole Palmer, nearly every one of them without Liam Delap," he said.

"And this squad, regardless of who is playing, they are performing exceptionally. Today was five games in 12 days so certainly when you see Cole Palmer playing, we have said many times that he's our top player but we play almost all season without our top player.

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

Chelsea's win over Everton cemented their standing in fourth in the Premier League table, with a Carabao Cup quarter-final tie at Cardiff and a league journey to Newcastle to come in the coming days.

Speculation Regarding Maresca's Comments

It was unclear what exactly prompted Maresca to label the previous 48 hours as the worst of his spell as Chelsea head coach.

In that window, the Italian had returned with his backroom team and players from Bergamo, conducted a training session at Cobham, attended a pre-match news conference where he seemed at ease, and secured a victory over an high-flying Everton side.

It was unclear whether any specific press stories had unsettled him, if online discourse were a factor, or if it was something deeper 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 still have yet to fully warm to him since his arrival from Leicester in July 2024.