Chelsea's Manager Maresca Labels Lead-Up Period as The 'Most Difficult Two Days' at the Club

Chelsea tactician Enzo Maresca revealed that the run-up to Saturday's win against Everton constituted "the toughest 48 hours" he has experienced at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian offered a somewhat cryptic comment in his post-match media briefing even after notching a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge thanks to finishes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those crucial points propelled 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 extended the side's drought without a win to four fixtures.

Yet, when questioned about Gusto's assist and general performance, Maresca surprisingly disclosed his annoyance over the preceding 48-hour period within the organization.

"How the lads are eager to improve has been excellent and this is the reason why I praise them - because with numerous problems, they are performing admirably after a complicated week," he commented.

"From the moment I arrived at the club, the last 48 hours have been the worst because many people didn't support us."

Pressed on his meaning, the ex- Leicester City manager elaborated: "Most difficult 48 hours since I came to the club because people didn't support me and the team."

When questioned if he meant people within at Chelsea, he answered: "In general. In general," before specifying when queried if it was directed towards fans or the press: "I adore the fans and we are extremely happy with the fans."

Injury & Disciplinary Woes

Maresca also drew attention to Chelsea's ongoing fitness and suspension issues, remarking they had been without key forward Cole Palmer for much of the campaign, as well as losing key midfielder Moises Caicedo to a three-game ban and forward Liam Delap to two significant injuries.

"I truly applaud the players and the squad because we played 16 Premier League games, five of them without Moises Caicedo, eleven of them without Cole Palmer, nearly every one of them minus Liam Delap," he said.

"And this squad, no matter who is on the pitch, they are performing exceptionally. 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 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 externally to acknowledge because the work from the players is outstanding."

Chelsea's win over Everton consolidated their standing in fourth in the Premier League standings, with a Carabao Cup quarter-final clash at Cardiff and a league journey to Newcastle to come next week.

Speculation Over Maresca's Comments

It was ambiguous what exactly prompted Maresca to label the previous 48 hours as the most difficult of his tenure as Chelsea head coach.

In that timeframe, the Italian had returned with his backroom team and players from Bergamo, conducted a training session at the training ground, attended a pre-match press briefing where he appeared relaxed, and secured a victory over an high-flying Everton side.

It was not obvious whether any specific press stories had unsettled him, if social media comments were a factor, or if it was something deeper from inside the club at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca only sought to deny that it was an matter related to the club's fans, a section of which have not yet fully warm to him since his appointment from Leicester during July last year.