Chelsea's Manager Enzo Maresca Describes Pre-Match Period as His 'Worst Two Days' at the Blues
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca stated that the preparation to Saturday's win against Everton constituted "the most challenging 48 hours" of his tenure with the London club.
The 44-year-old delivered a rather mysterious statement in his after-game media briefing even after earning a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge courtesy of strikes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.
Those three precious points sent Chelsea once again into the Premier League's top four, perhaps lightening the mood after a loss to Atalanta in the Champions League that had extended the side's winless run to four outings.
Yet, when questioned about Gusto's assist and general display, Maresca unexpectedly divulged his frustration over the preceding two days at the club.
"How the squad are eager to develop has been superb and this is the reason why I applaud them - because with numerous challenges, they are excelling after a tricky week," he stated.
"From the moment I arrived at the club, the past 48 hours have been the worst because several people withheld support from us."
When pushed further on his meaning, the ex- Leicester City boss added: "Worst 48 hours since I joined the club because people didn't support me and the team."
When questioned if he meant people internally at Chelsea, he responded: "In general. In general," before clarifying when asked if it was aimed at supporters or the media: "I adore the fans and we are very happy with the fans."
Injury and Disciplinary Woes
Maresca also highlighted Chelsea's persistent injury and suspension problems, noting they had been missing star attacker Cole Palmer for much of the season, in addition to being deprived of key midfielder Moises Caicedo to a three-match 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 without Moises Caicedo, eleven of them minus Cole Palmer, almost all of them minus Liam Delap," he explained.
"And this squad, no matter 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 5 games in the Premier League without Moises Caicedo. This is the explanation why I'm so happy for the players and it's something that I would like people externally to recognize because the effort 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 tie at Cardiff and a league trip to Newcastle to come next week.
Speculation Regarding Maresca's Comments
It was not immediately clear what exactly caused Maresca to describe the past 48 hours as the most difficult of his time as Chelsea manager.
In that window, the coach had returned with his backroom team and players from Bergamo, conducted a session at Cobham, attended a pre-match news conference where he seemed relaxed, and engineered a victory over an in-form Everton side.
It was not obvious whether any particular press stories had unsettled him, if social media comments were a factor, or if it was something more significant from within the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca only sought to rule out that it was an matter involving the club's supporters, some of whom have still have yet to fully warm to him since his appointment from Leicester during July last year.
