The Boss Enzo Maresca Describes Lead-Up Period as The 'Worst Two Days' with the Blues

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca revealed that the run-up to the weekend's triumph against Everton constituted "the most challenging 48 hours" he has experienced at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian delivered a rather mysterious statement in his post-match interview despite securing a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge thanks to strikes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those points propelled Chelsea once again into the English top flight's top four, potentially improving the atmosphere following a defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League that had stretched the side's winless run to four matches.

Yet, when asked about Gusto's contribution and general performance, Maresca surprisingly shared his frustration over the previous 48-hour period within the organization.

"How the players are eager to develop has been superb and this is the reason why I praise them - because with so many challenges, they are performing admirably after a difficult week," he said.

"From the moment I arrived at the club, the last 48 hours have been the toughest because several people failed to back us."

When pushed further on what he meant, the ex- Leicester City boss elaborated: "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 answered: "In general. Overall," before clarifying when asked if it was aimed at supporters or the press: "I adore the fans and we are extremely content with the fans."

Injury and Suspension Crisis

Maresca also drew attention to Chelsea's persistent fitness and suspension issues, noting they had been without star attacker Cole Palmer for a large portion of the campaign, in addition to being deprived of linchpin Moises Caicedo to a three-game ban and forward Liam Delap to a couple of significant injuries.

"I truly praise the players and the squad because we played 16 Premier League games, 5 of them minus Moises Caicedo, 11 of them without 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 exceptionally. Today was five games in 12 days so certainly when you see Cole Palmer playing, we have said many times that he's our finest player but we play the vast majority of the season minus our top player.

"We play 5 games in the Premier League minus Moises Caicedo. This is the reason why I'm so delighted for the players and it's something that I would want people outside to appreciate because the effort from the players is fantastic."

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

Speculation Regarding Maresca's Remark

It was unclear what exactly caused Maresca to describe the previous 48 hours as the most difficult of his spell as Chelsea manager.

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

It was not obvious whether any specific media reports 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 deny that it was an issue involving the club's fans, some of whom have still have yet to fully embrace him since his appointment from Leicester during July last year.