The Manager Enzo Maresca Describes Pre-Match Period as His 'Most Difficult Two Days' with the Club
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca remarked that the build-up to Saturday's win against Everton represented "the toughest 48 hours" since his arrival with the London club.
The Italian offered a puzzling message in his post-match interview even after earning a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge thanks to goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.
Those three precious points sent Chelsea back into the English top flight's top four, potentially lightening the mood following a loss to Atalanta in the Champions League that had extended the team's winless run to four fixtures.
Yet, when questioned about the full-back's contribution and overall performance, Maresca surprisingly shared his frustration over the previous two days within the organization.
"The way the players are eager to learn has been excellent and this is the explanation why I commend them - because with numerous issues, they are performing admirably after a complicated week," he stated.
"From the moment I arrived at the club, the past 48 hours have been the toughest because several people withheld support from us."
Pressed on his meaning, the ex- Leicester City boss continued: "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: "Broadly speaking. Overall," before clarifying when asked if it was aimed at fans or the press: "I adore the fans and we are extremely content with the fans."
Fitness and Disciplinary Crisis
Maresca also highlighted Chelsea's persistent injury and suspension problems, noting they had been missing star attacker Cole Palmer for a large portion of the season, as well as losing key midfielder Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and striker Liam Delap to two serious injuries.
"I truly praise 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, nearly every one of them minus Liam Delap," he explained.
"And this squad, regardless of who is on the pitch, they are performing exceptionally. Today was five games in 12 days so for sure when you see Cole Palmer there, 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 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 recognize because the commitment from the players is outstanding."
Chelsea's success over Everton cemented their standing in fourth in the Premier League standings, with a Carabao Cup last-eight tie at Cardiff and a league journey to Newcastle scheduled next week.
Uncertainty Over Maresca's Comments
It was ambiguous who or what caused Maresca to describe the previous 48 hours as the most difficult of his time as Chelsea head coach.
In that period, the coach had traveled back with his backroom team and players from his native Italy, conducted a session at the training ground, faced a pre-match press briefing where he appeared at ease, and secured a win over an high-flying Everton team.
It was hard to discern whether any specific media reports had unsettled him, if social media comments played a role, or if it was something deeper from within the club at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca specifically took care to deny that it was an matter related to the club's supporters, some of whom have not yet fully embrace him since his appointment from Leicester in July 2024.