The Boss Maresca Labels Lead-Up Period as The 'Most Difficult Two Days' at the Blues

Chelsea tactician Enzo Maresca stated that the preparation to the weekend's triumph against Everton was "the toughest 48 hours" of his tenure at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian made a rather mysterious message in his after-game media briefing despite notching a 2-0 win at home thanks to goals 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 loss to Atalanta in the Champions League that had extended the team's drought without a win to consecutive outings.

Yet, when questioned about Gusto's contribution and overall display, Maresca surprisingly divulged his displeasure over the preceding two days at the organization.

"How the players want to develop has been excellent and this is the reason why I praise them - because with numerous challenges, they are performing admirably after a difficult week," he stated.

"Since I joined the club, the previous 48 hours have been the toughest because many people failed to back us."

Pressed on what he meant, 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 asked if he was referring to people within at Chelsea, he answered: "In general. Overall," before clarifying when asked if it was aimed at fans or the press: "I adore the fans and we are very happy with the fans."

Fitness and Suspension Woes

Maresca also drew attention to Chelsea's ongoing fitness and disciplinary problems, remarking they had been missing star attacker Cole Palmer for a large portion of the campaign, in addition to being deprived of key midfielder Moises Caicedo to a three-game ban and forward Liam Delap to a couple of significant injuries.

"I really applaud the players and the squad because we have played 16 Premier League games, five of them minus Moises Caicedo, eleven of them without Cole Palmer, nearly every one of them minus Liam Delap," he said.

"And this squad, no matter who is on the pitch, they are doing brilliantly. Today was 5 games in 12 days so undoubtedly when you see Cole Palmer available, we have said many times that he's our finest player but we play the vast majority of the season minus our top player.

"We play 5 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 work from the players is outstanding."

Chelsea's win over Everton consolidated their position in 4th place in the Premier League table, with a Carabao Cup last-eight clash at Cardiff and a league journey to Newcastle to come next week.

Speculation Over Maresca's Comments

It was unclear what exactly prompted Maresca to label the past 48 hours as the worst of his tenure as Chelsea head coach.

In that window, the coach had returned with his backroom team and players from his native Italy, conducted a session at the training ground, faced a pre-game press briefing where he seemed at ease, and secured a victory over an in-form Everton side.

It was unclear whether any particular press stories had unsettled him, if social media discourse played a role, or if it was something deeper from within the club at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca only sought to deny that it was an matter related to the club's fans, some of whom have not yet fully warm to him since his arrival from Leicester in July last year.