The Boss Maresca Labels Lead-Up Period as His 'Most Difficult 48 Hours' with the Club

Chelsea tactician Enzo Maresca stated that the run-up to Saturday's triumph against Everton represented "the worst 48 hours" he has experienced at Stamford Bridge.

The 44-year-old delivered a rather mysterious message in his post-match press conference even after notching a 2-0 win at home courtesy of finishes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

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

Yet, when questioned about Gusto's contribution and overall display, Maresca unexpectedly disclosed his frustration over the previous two days within the club.

"The way the lads want to improve has been superb and this is the reason why I praise them - because with numerous challenges, they are doing very well after a difficult week," he commented.

"From the moment I arrived at the club, the last 48 hours have been the most difficult because a lot of people failed to back us."

When pushed further on his meaning, the former Leicester City manager continued: "Most difficult 48 hours since I joined the club because people failed to back me and the team."

When questioned if he was referring to people internally at Chelsea, he responded: "Broadly speaking. In general," before specifying when asked if it was directed towards fans or the press: "I adore the fans and we are very content with the fans."

Injury and Suspension Woes

Maresca also drew attention to Chelsea's ongoing fitness and disciplinary issues, remarking they had been without key forward Cole Palmer for much of the season, in addition to being deprived of linchpin Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and striker Liam Delap to a couple of significant injuries.

"I really commend the players and the squad because we have played 16 Premier League games, five of them without Moises Caicedo, 11 of them minus Cole Palmer, almost all of them without Liam Delap," he said.

"And this squad, no matter who is on the pitch, 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 minus our best player.

"We play five games in the Premier League without 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 recognize because the commitment from the players is remarkable."

Chelsea's success over Everton cemented their standing in 4th place in the Premier League table, with a Carabao Cup quarter-final clash at Cardiff and a league trip to Newcastle scheduled next week.

Uncertainty Over Maresca's Comments

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

In that timeframe, the coach had traveled back with his staff and players from Bergamo, held a session at Cobham, attended a pre-match news conference where he seemed relaxed, and engineered a victory over an in-form Everton team.

It was not obvious whether any specific media reports had unsettled him, if social media comments were a factor, or if it was something more significant from within the club at Stamford Bridge.

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