Chelsea's Boss Enzo Maresca Labels Lead-Up Period as The 'Toughest Two Days' at the Blues
Chelsea tactician Enzo Maresca stated that the run-up to the weekend's win against Everton constituted "the toughest 48 hours" he has experienced at Stamford Bridge.
The 44-year-old delivered a rather mysterious statement in his after-game media briefing even after notching a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge through finishes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.
Those three precious points lifted Chelsea back into the Premier League's top four, potentially improving the mood following a defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League that had extended the side's winless run to four fixtures.
However, when asked about the full-back's assist and general performance, Maresca unexpectedly shared his frustration over the preceding 48-hour period within the club.
"How the lads want to learn has been superb and this is the reason why I applaud them - because with so many challenges, they are excelling after a difficult week," he said.
"Since I joined the club, the last 48 hours have been the most difficult because a lot of people failed to back us."
When pushed further on the specifics, the former Leicester City boss elaborated: "Most difficult 48 hours since I came to the club because people failed to back me and the team."
When asked if he was referring to people internally at Chelsea, he replied: "In general. In general," before clarifying when queried if it was aimed at fans or the press: "I adore the fans and we are very content with the fans."
Fitness and Suspension Crisis
Maresca also highlighted Chelsea's persistent injury and suspension issues, 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-match ban and striker Liam Delap to a couple of serious injuries.
"I really commend the players and the squad because we played 16 Premier League games, five of them minus Moises Caicedo, 11 of them without Cole Palmer, almost all of them minus Liam Delap," he said.
"And this squad, regardless of 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 said many times that he's our best player but we play almost all season without our top player.
"We play five 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 externally to appreciate because the work from the players is remarkable."
Chelsea's win over Everton cemented their position in 4th place in the Premier League standings, with a Carabao Cup quarter-final tie at Cardiff and a league trip to Newcastle scheduled in the coming days.
Speculation Over Maresca's Remark
It was ambiguous what exactly caused Maresca to describe the previous 48 hours as the most difficult of his tenure as Chelsea manager.
In that timeframe, the coach had returned with his backroom team and players from his native Italy, conducted a training session at the training ground, attended a pre-game news conference where he seemed relaxed, and secured a victory over an high-flying Everton team.
It was unclear whether any particular press stories had irked him, if online comments were a factor, or if it was something more significant from within the club at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca specifically took care to deny that it was an matter involving the club's supporters, some of whom have not yet fully warm to him since his arrival from Leicester during July last year.
