The Boss Maresca Describes Pre-Match Time as The 'Worst Two Days' at the Blues
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca revealed that the preparation to Saturday's triumph against Everton was "the most challenging 48 hours" he has experienced at Stamford Bridge.
The 44-year-old delivered a puzzling comment in his post-match press conference even after earning a 2-0 win at home through strikes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.
Those crucial points propelled Chelsea back into the Premier League's top four, perhaps lightening the mood following a defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League that had stretched the team's drought without a win to consecutive outings.
Yet, when questioned about Gusto's contribution and general display, Maresca surprisingly disclosed his annoyance over the previous two days within the club.
"The way the squad are eager to learn has been superb and this is the explanation why I commend them - because with a host of problems, they are doing very well after a tricky week," he stated.
"Since I joined the club, the previous 48 hours have been the worst because a lot of people failed to back us."
When pushed further on his meaning, the ex- Leicester City manager added: "Most difficult 48 hours since I came to the club because people didn't support me and the team."
When questioned if he was referring to people internally at Chelsea, he answered: "Broadly speaking. In general," before specifying when asked if it was aimed at supporters or the media: "I adore the fans and we are very content with the fans."
Injury and Disciplinary Crisis
Maresca also highlighted Chelsea's persistent fitness and disciplinary problems, remarking they had been without star attacker Cole Palmer for a large portion of the campaign, in addition to losing linchpin Moises Caicedo to a three-game ban and forward Liam Delap to two serious injuries.
"I truly praise the players and the squad because we have played 16 Premier League games, five of them without Moises Caicedo, eleven of them minus Cole Palmer, almost all of them without Liam Delap," he explained.
"And this squad, regardless of who is playing, they are doing exceptionally. Today was five 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 almost all season without our top 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 outside to appreciate because the work from the players is remarkable."
Chelsea's success over Everton strengthened their standing in fourth in the Premier League table, with a Carabao Cup last-eight clash at Cardiff and a league journey to Newcastle scheduled next week.
Speculation Regarding Maresca's Remark
It was unclear what exactly caused Maresca to label the previous 48 hours as the most difficult of his spell as Chelsea manager.
In that window, the coach had traveled back with his staff and players from his native Italy, conducted a training session at the training ground, faced a pre-game press briefing where he seemed relaxed, and secured a win over an high-flying Everton team.
It was not obvious whether any particular press stories had unsettled him, if social media discourse played a role, or if it was something deeper from within the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca specifically took care to rule out that it was an matter involving the club's fans, a section of which have still have yet to fully embrace him since his arrival from Leicester in July 2024.
