Chelsea's Boss Enzo Maresca Labels Pre-Match Time as His 'Worst 48 Hours' with the Blues

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca revealed that the build-up to Saturday's victory against Everton was "the worst 48 hours" since his arrival with the London club.

The Italian made a rather mysterious statement in his post-match media briefing even after notching a 2-0 win at home thanks to finishes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those crucial points propelled Chelsea back into the Premier League's top four, perhaps improving the mood following a defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League that had extended the team's drought without a win to consecutive outings.

Yet, when asked about the full-back's contribution and overall performance, Maresca unexpectedly divulged his annoyance over the previous 48-hour period at the club.

"The way the lads want to improve has been excellent and this is the explanation why I commend them - because with numerous challenges, 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 most difficult because many people withheld support from us."

Pressed on his meaning, the ex- Leicester City boss continued: "Most difficult 48 hours since I came to the club because people failed to back me and the team."

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

Injury & Disciplinary Woes

Maresca also highlighted Chelsea's persistent injury and suspension problems, remarking they had been without star attacker Cole Palmer for much of the campaign, as well as being deprived of key midfielder Moises Caicedo to a three-game ban and forward Liam Delap to two serious injuries.

"I truly commend the players and the squad because we have played 16 Premier League games, five of them minus Moises Caicedo, eleven of them minus Cole Palmer, almost all of them minus Liam Delap," he said.

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

"We play five 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 like people externally to acknowledge because the commitment from the players is remarkable."

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

Uncertainty Over Maresca's Comments

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

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

It was unclear whether any particular press stories had unsettled him, if social media comments were a factor, or if it was something deeper from within the club at Stamford Bridge.

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