The Manager Enzo Maresca Calls Pre-Match Time as His 'Most Difficult 48 Hours' at the Blues

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca revealed that the build-up to the weekend's victory against Everton was "the most challenging 48 hours" he has experienced at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian delivered a puzzling comment in his post-match media briefing even after securing 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, potentially improving the atmosphere following a loss to Atalanta in the Champions League that had extended the side's winless run to four fixtures.

But, when questioned about Gusto's assist and overall display, Maresca surprisingly disclosed his frustration over the previous two days at the organization.

"The way the players want to learn has been superb and this is the reason why I commend them - because with a host of issues, they are excelling after a tricky week," he said.

"Since I joined the club, the past 48 hours have been the toughest because several people withheld support from us."

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

When asked if he was referring to people internally at Chelsea, he answered: "In general. In general," before specifying when asked if it was directed towards supporters or the press: "I adore the fans and we are extremely pleased with the fans."

Injury and Disciplinary Woes

Maresca also pointed to Chelsea's ongoing injury and suspension issues, noting they had been missing key forward Cole Palmer for much of the season, in addition to being deprived of linchpin Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and striker Liam Delap to two serious injuries.

"I really commend 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 minus Liam Delap," he said.

"And this squad, regardless of who is playing, they are doing brilliantly. Today was 5 games in 12 days so for sure when you see Cole Palmer playing, we have said many times that he's our top player but we play the vast majority of the season without our best player.

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

Chelsea's win over Everton strengthened their position in fourth in the Premier League standings, with a Carabao Cup last-eight clash at Cardiff and a league journey to Newcastle scheduled next week.

Uncertainty Over Maresca's Remark

It was ambiguous who or what prompted Maresca to describe the past 48 hours as the most difficult of his tenure as Chelsea head coach.

In that window, the coach had traveled back with his staff and players from his native Italy, held a training session at Cobham, attended a pre-match press briefing where he appeared at ease, and engineered a victory over an high-flying Everton side.

It was not obvious whether any specific media reports had irked him, if social media discourse played a role, or if it was something more significant from within the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca specifically took care to rule out that it was an issue involving the club's supporters, a section of which have not yet fully embrace him since his arrival from Leicester in July last year.