The Manager Maresca Describes Lead-Up Period as The 'Worst 48 Hours' at the Blues
Chelsea tactician Enzo Maresca remarked that the preparation to the weekend's win against Everton represented "the most challenging 48 hours" of his tenure at Stamford Bridge.
The Italian delivered a rather mysterious message in his post-match media briefing even after notching a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge through strikes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.
Those crucial points sent Chelsea back into the English top flight's top four, perhaps lightening the atmosphere after a defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League that had extended the side's winless run to four matches.
Yet, when asked about the full-back's assist and overall display, Maresca surprisingly disclosed his displeasure over the previous two days within the club.
"The way the lads are eager to improve has been excellent and this is the reason why I commend them - because with so many problems, they are doing very well after a tricky week," he commented.
"From the moment I arrived at the club, the last 48 hours have been the worst because a lot of people didn't support us."
When pushed further on his meaning, the ex- Leicester City boss added: "Most difficult 48 hours since I came to the club because people failed to back me and the team."
When questioned if he meant people internally at Chelsea, he answered: "Broadly speaking. Overall," before clarifying when queried if it was aimed at fans or the press: "I love the fans and we are extremely content with the fans."
Injury and Disciplinary Crisis
Maresca also pointed to Chelsea's ongoing injury and disciplinary problems, noting they had been missing star attacker Cole Palmer for much of the campaign, in addition to being deprived of linchpin Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and forward Liam Delap to a couple of serious injuries.
"I really praise the players and the squad because we played 16 Premier League games, five of them without Moises Caicedo, eleven of them without Cole Palmer, almost all of them without Liam Delap," he explained.
"And this squad, regardless of who is on the pitch, they are doing fantastic. 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 almost all season without our best player.
"We play 5 games in the Premier League minus Moises Caicedo. This is the explanation why I'm so happy for the players and it's something that I would want people outside to recognize because the commitment from the players is outstanding."
Chelsea's win over Everton strengthened their standing in fourth in the Premier League standings, with a Carabao Cup last-eight tie at Cardiff and a league trip to Newcastle to come in the coming days.
Speculation Over Maresca's Remark
It was ambiguous what exactly prompted Maresca to label the previous 48 hours as the most difficult of his spell as Chelsea manager.
In that window, the coach had traveled back with his staff and players from Bergamo, conducted a training session at Cobham, attended a pre-match news conference where he appeared relaxed, and secured a win over an in-form Everton side.
It was hard to discern whether any particular press stories had unsettled him, if online comments played a role, or if it was something deeper from inside the club at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca specifically took care to rule out that it was an issue involving the club's fans, a section of which have not yet fully embrace him since his appointment from Leicester during July last year.
