The Boss Maresca Labels Lead-Up Time as The 'Most Difficult Two Days' with the Club

Chelsea tactician Enzo Maresca stated that the build-up to Saturday's victory against Everton was "the most challenging 48 hours" of his tenure with the London club.

The 44-year-old offered a rather mysterious message in his after-game press conference even after earning a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge courtesy of goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those points propelled Chelsea back into the English top flight's top four, potentially improving the mood after a loss to Atalanta in the Champions League that had extended the team's winless run to consecutive matches.

But, when questioned about the full-back's assist and overall performance, Maresca unexpectedly shared his frustration over the previous 48-hour period within the club.

"How the players want to learn has been superb and this is the explanation why I commend them - because with numerous challenges, they are excelling after a complicated week," he commented.

"From the moment I arrived at the club, the previous 48 hours have been the toughest because a lot of people didn't support us."

When pushed further on his meaning, the ex- Leicester City manager continued: "Worst 48 hours since I came to the club because people failed to back me and the team."

When questioned if he meant people internally at Chelsea, he replied: "Broadly speaking. In general," before clarifying when asked if it was aimed at fans or the press: "I love the fans and we are extremely happy with the fans."

Injury & Disciplinary Crisis

Maresca also drew attention to Chelsea's persistent injury and suspension problems, remarking they had been without key forward Cole Palmer for much of the campaign, in addition to losing key midfielder Moises Caicedo to a three-game ban and striker Liam Delap to two significant injuries.

"I really applaud the players and the squad because we played 16 Premier League games, five of them minus Moises Caicedo, 11 of them minus Cole Palmer, almost all of them minus Liam Delap," he explained.

"And this squad, no matter who is on the pitch, they are doing exceptionally. Today was five games in 12 days so undoubtedly when you see Cole Palmer playing, we have said many times that he's our top player but we play almost all season minus our top player.

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

Chelsea's success over Everton strengthened their position in fourth in the Premier League table, with a Carabao Cup quarter-final clash at Cardiff and a league trip to Newcastle scheduled in the coming days.

Uncertainty Over Maresca's Comments

It was unclear what exactly caused Maresca to describe the previous 48 hours as the worst of his time as Chelsea head coach.

In that timeframe, the coach had returned with his backroom team and players from Bergamo, held a training session at Cobham, faced a pre-game news conference where he appeared relaxed, and secured a victory over an in-form Everton team.

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

Maresca only sought to deny that it was an issue related to the club's supporters, a section of which have still have yet to fully warm to him since his appointment from Leicester in July last year.