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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca stated that the build-up to the weekend's victory against Everton represented "the toughest 48 hours" he has experienced with the London club.

The Italian offered a somewhat cryptic statement in his post-match press conference even after notching a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge courtesy of goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those points propelled Chelsea once again into the English top flight's top four, potentially lightening the atmosphere following a loss to Atalanta in the Champions League that had extended the side's drought without a win to consecutive fixtures.

However, when questioned about the full-back's contribution and general display, Maresca unexpectedly shared his annoyance over the previous 48-hour period at the organization.

"How the players are eager to learn has been fantastic and this is the reason why I commend them - because with so many issues, they are performing admirably after a difficult week," he said.

"From the moment I arrived at the club, the past 48 hours have been the worst because many people failed to back us."

Pressed on his meaning, the former Leicester City boss continued: "Worst 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 internally at Chelsea, he answered: "In general. Overall," before clarifying when queried if it was aimed at fans or the press: "I love the fans and we are extremely pleased with the fans."

Fitness & Suspension Woes

Maresca also highlighted Chelsea's ongoing fitness and disciplinary issues, noting they had been without key forward Cole Palmer for a large portion of the campaign, in addition to losing linchpin Moises Caicedo to a three-game ban and striker Liam Delap to a couple of significant injuries.

"I really applaud the players and the squad because we played 16 Premier League games, 5 of them without Moises Caicedo, eleven of them without Cole Palmer, almost all of them without Liam Delap," he said.

"And this squad, regardless of who is on the pitch, they are doing fantastic. Today was five games in 12 days so undoubtedly when you see Cole Palmer available, we said many times that he's our best player but we play almost all season minus our top player.

"We play five games in the Premier League minus Moises Caicedo. This is the reason why I'm so happy for the players and it's something that I would want people externally to appreciate because the work from the players is remarkable."

Chelsea's win over Everton consolidated 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 to come in the coming days.

Uncertainty Regarding Maresca's Remark

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

In that period, the Italian had returned with his staff and players from his native Italy, held a session at the training ground, faced a pre-match press briefing where he appeared at ease, and engineered a win over an in-form Everton side.

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

Maresca specifically took care to rule out that it was an matter related to the club's supporters, some of whom have still have yet to fully embrace him since his appointment from Leicester in July last year.