The Boss Maresca Labels Pre-Match Time as The 'Most Difficult 48 Hours' with the Blues

Chelsea tactician Enzo Maresca stated that the preparation to Saturday's victory against Everton constituted "the worst 48 hours" he has experienced at Stamford Bridge.

The 44-year-old offered a rather mysterious message in his post-match media briefing even after notching a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge courtesy of goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those points lifted Chelsea once again into the Premier League's top four, perhaps lightening the mood following a loss to Atalanta in the Champions League that had stretched the side's drought without a win to consecutive fixtures.

But, when questioned about the full-back's contribution and general display, Maresca surprisingly disclosed his displeasure over the previous 48-hour period within the club.

"How the squad want to develop has been superb and this is the explanation why I commend them - because with so many challenges, they are excelling after a complicated week," he stated.

"From the moment I arrived at the club, the last 48 hours have been the toughest because many people failed to back us."

When pushed further on his meaning, the ex- Leicester City manager continued: "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 answered: "Broadly speaking. Overall," before specifying when asked if it was directed towards fans or the media: "I love the fans and we are very content with the fans."

Injury and Disciplinary Woes

Maresca also highlighted Chelsea's ongoing injury and suspension issues, noting they had been missing star attacker Cole Palmer for much of the campaign, as well as being deprived of linchpin Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and forward Liam Delap to two serious injuries.

"I really applaud the players and the squad because we played 16 Premier League games, five of them minus Moises Caicedo, 11 of them minus 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 fantastic. Today was 5 games in 12 days so for sure when you see Cole Palmer playing, we have said many times that he's our best player but we play the vast majority of the season minus our best player.

"We play five games in the Premier League minus Moises Caicedo. This is the explanation why I'm so pleased for the players and it's something that I would want people externally to acknowledge because the work from the players is remarkable."

Chelsea's triumph over Everton cemented 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.

Uncertainty Over Maresca's Remark

It was ambiguous who or what prompted Maresca to label the past 48 hours as the worst of his time as Chelsea head coach.

In that timeframe, the coach had returned with his staff and players from his native Italy, held a training session at the training ground, attended a pre-match press briefing where he appeared at ease, and secured a victory over an in-form Everton team.

It was unclear whether any particular press stories had irked him, if online discourse were a factor, or if it was something deeper from within the club at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca only sought 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 in July last year.