Chelsea's Manager Enzo Maresca Labels Pre-Match Period as The 'Most Difficult 48 Hours' at the Club

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca revealed that the preparation to Saturday's triumph against Everton constituted "the worst 48 hours" since his arrival at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian offered a puzzling message in his post-match media briefing despite earning a 2-0 win at home through goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those crucial points lifted Chelsea once again into the English top flight's top four, potentially lightening the mood following a defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League that had extended the team's drought without a win to consecutive outings.

However, when questioned about the full-back's contribution and general performance, Maresca unexpectedly divulged his frustration over the preceding two days at the organization.

"The way the squad want to learn has been fantastic and this is the explanation why I applaud them - because with numerous issues, they are doing very well after a difficult week," he stated.

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

Pressed on his meaning, the former Leicester City manager continued: "Worst 48 hours since I joined the club because people didn't support me and the team."

When asked if he was referring to people within at Chelsea, he responded: "Broadly speaking. In general," before clarifying when asked if it was directed towards fans or the media: "I love the fans and we are extremely pleased with the fans."

Injury & Disciplinary Crisis

Maresca also highlighted Chelsea's ongoing injury and disciplinary issues, noting they had been missing key forward Cole Palmer for much of the season, as well as being deprived of linchpin Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and forward Liam Delap to a couple of significant injuries.

"I really praise the players and the squad because we played 16 Premier League games, 5 of them minus Moises Caicedo, eleven of them minus Cole Palmer, nearly every one of them minus Liam Delap," he explained.

"And this squad, regardless of who is playing, they are performing exceptionally. Today was five games in 12 days so undoubtedly when you see Cole Palmer there, 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 minus Moises Caicedo. This is the reason why I'm so pleased for the players and it's something that I would want people externally to appreciate because the work from the players is outstanding."

Chelsea's success over Everton consolidated their position in fourth in the Premier League table, with a Carabao Cup quarter-final tie at Cardiff and a league trip to Newcastle to come next week.

Uncertainty Over Maresca's Comments

It was not immediately clear who or what caused Maresca to label the previous 48 hours as the most difficult of his time as Chelsea manager.

In that window, the Italian had returned with his staff and players from his native Italy, conducted a training session at Cobham, attended a pre-game press briefing where he seemed relaxed, and secured a win over an in-form Everton team.

It was unclear whether any specific media reports had irked him, if social media discourse played a role, or if it was something deeper from within the club at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca only sought to rule out that it was an matter involving the club's fans, some of whom have not yet fully embrace him since his arrival from Leicester in July last year.