The Manager Enzo Maresca Calls Lead-Up Period as His 'Worst 48 Hours' at the Club
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca stated that the build-up to Saturday's triumph against Everton represented "the worst 48 hours" since his arrival at Stamford Bridge.
The 44-year-old offered a somewhat cryptic statement in his after-game press conference despite securing a 2-0 win at home courtesy of strikes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.
Those crucial points lifted Chelsea once again into the English top flight's top four, perhaps improving the mood after a loss to Atalanta in the Champions League that had extended the side's winless run to consecutive fixtures.
But, when questioned about the full-back's contribution and general display, Maresca unexpectedly shared his annoyance over the preceding 48-hour period at the club.
"How the players are eager to improve has been excellent and this is the reason why I praise them - because with numerous problems, they are performing admirably after a tricky week," he commented.
"From the moment I arrived at the club, the previous 48 hours have been the toughest because many people withheld support from us."
When pushed further on his meaning, the former 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 meant people internally at Chelsea, he replied: "In general. Overall," before specifying when asked if it was aimed at supporters or the press: "I adore the fans and we are extremely pleased with the fans."
Fitness & Suspension Woes
Maresca also drew attention to Chelsea's ongoing fitness and suspension problems, remarking they had been without key forward Cole Palmer for much of the campaign, as well as losing key midfielder Moises Caicedo to a three-game ban and forward 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, nearly every one of them minus Liam Delap," he explained.
"And this squad, regardless of who is on the pitch, they are performing fantastic. Today was five games in 12 days so undoubtedly when you see Cole Palmer playing, we said many times that he's our best 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 happy for the players and it's something that I would like people externally to appreciate because the work from the players is outstanding."
Chelsea's triumph over Everton strengthened their position in fourth in the Premier League standings, with a Carabao Cup last-eight clash at Cardiff and a league journey to Newcastle scheduled next week.
Uncertainty Over Maresca's Comments
It was unclear what exactly caused Maresca to describe the previous 48 hours as the most difficult of his spell as Chelsea head coach.
In that period, the coach had returned with his staff and players from his native Italy, held a session at the training ground, faced a pre-game press briefing where he appeared at ease, and secured a win over an high-flying Everton team.
It was hard to discern whether any particular media reports had irked him, if online discourse were a factor, or if it was something more significant from inside the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca only sought to rule out that it was an matter related to the club's supporters, a section of which have still have yet to fully warm to him since his appointment from Leicester during July last year.