Chelsea's Manager Maresca Describes Lead-Up Time as The 'Most Difficult Two Days' at the Blues
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca revealed that the preparation to Saturday's victory against Everton was "the most challenging 48 hours" of his tenure at Stamford Bridge.
The 44-year-old made a puzzling message in his post-match interview even after securing a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge through finishes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.
Those crucial points lifted Chelsea back into the English top flight's top four, potentially improving the mood following a defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League that had stretched the side's drought without a win to four fixtures.
But, when asked about the full-back's contribution and general display, Maresca surprisingly disclosed his frustration over the preceding two days at the organization.
"The way the players are eager to improve has been excellent and this is the explanation why I applaud them - because with a host of problems, they are excelling after a difficult week," he said.
"From the moment I arrived at the club, the previous 48 hours have been the toughest because many people failed to back us."
Pressed on what he meant, the ex- Leicester City manager elaborated: "Worst 48 hours since I joined the club because people didn't support me and the team."
When questioned if he meant people within at Chelsea, he responded: "In general. In general," before specifying when asked if it was aimed at supporters or the media: "I love the fans and we are extremely pleased with the fans."
Injury and Suspension Crisis
Maresca also pointed to Chelsea's ongoing fitness and disciplinary issues, remarking they had been without key forward Cole Palmer for a large portion of the season, in addition to losing key midfielder Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and striker Liam Delap to two significant injuries.
"I really applaud the players and the squad because we have played 16 Premier League games, 5 of them minus Moises Caicedo, 11 of them without 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 undoubtedly when you see Cole Palmer there, we have said many times that he's our best 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 reason why I'm so happy for the players and it's something that I would like people outside to appreciate because the work from the players is remarkable."
Chelsea's triumph over Everton consolidated their standing in fourth in the Premier League standings, with a Carabao Cup last-eight clash at Cardiff and a league trip to Newcastle to come next week.
Uncertainty Regarding Maresca's Comments
It was unclear what exactly prompted Maresca to describe the past 48 hours as the worst of his tenure as Chelsea manager.
In that window, the Italian had returned with his staff and players from his native Italy, conducted a session at Cobham, attended a pre-game news conference where he appeared at ease, and secured a victory over an in-form Everton side.
It was unclear whether any specific press stories had irked him, if online comments played a role, or if it was something more significant from within the club at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca specifically took care to rule out that it was an matter involving the club's supporters, a section of which have not yet fully embrace him since his appointment from Leicester during July last year.
