The Manager Maresca Labels Pre-Match Period as His 'Worst 48 Hours' with the Club
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca remarked that the run-up to Saturday's triumph against Everton was "the toughest 48 hours" since his arrival at Stamford Bridge.
The 44-year-old delivered a rather mysterious comment in his post-match media briefing even after earning a 2-0 win at home thanks to finishes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.
Those three precious points propelled Chelsea back into the Premier League's top four, potentially improving the atmosphere following a loss to Atalanta in the Champions League that had extended the team's drought without a win to consecutive matches.
Yet, when asked about Gusto's contribution and general display, Maresca unexpectedly shared his displeasure over the previous two days within the club.
"How the lads want to develop has been fantastic and this is the explanation why I commend them - because with a host of challenges, 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 toughest because several people withheld support from us."
Pressed on his meaning, the former Leicester City manager continued: "Worst 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 responded: "In general. Overall," before clarifying when asked if it was directed towards supporters or the media: "I adore the fans and we are very happy with the fans."
Injury & Disciplinary Crisis
Maresca also highlighted Chelsea's persistent injury and disciplinary issues, remarking they had been missing star attacker Cole Palmer for a large portion of the season, as well as being deprived of linchpin Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and striker Liam Delap to two serious injuries.
"I truly praise the players and the squad because we played 16 Premier League games, five of them minus Moises Caicedo, eleven of them minus Cole Palmer, nearly every one of them without Liam Delap," he said.
"And this squad, no matter who is on the pitch, they are performing brilliantly. Today was five games in 12 days so for sure when you see Cole Palmer available, we said many times that he's our top player but we play almost all season without our best player.
"We play 5 games in the Premier League minus 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 triumph over Everton consolidated their position in fourth 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.
Speculation Over Maresca's Remark
It was ambiguous what exactly caused Maresca to describe the previous 48 hours as the worst of his spell as Chelsea head coach.
In that window, the Italian had traveled back with his staff and players from his native Italy, held a session at the training ground, faced a pre-game news conference where he seemed relaxed, and secured a win over an high-flying Everton team.
It was not obvious whether any specific press stories had unsettled him, if online comments were a factor, 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 matter involving the club's supporters, some of whom have still have yet to fully warm to him since his arrival from Leicester during July last year.
