Chelsea's Manager Maresca Describes Lead-Up Period as The 'Toughest 48 Hours' with the Blues

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca revealed that the build-up to the weekend's win against Everton was "the most challenging 48 hours" he has experienced with the London club.

The 44-year-old delivered a rather mysterious statement in his after-game media briefing even after securing a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge thanks to strikes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those three precious points propelled Chelsea back into the English top flight's top four, potentially lightening the mood after a defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League that had stretched the team's winless run to consecutive matches.

Yet, when questioned about Gusto's assist and overall performance, Maresca unexpectedly disclosed his displeasure over the preceding 48-hour period at the organization.

"The way the lads want to develop has been superb and this is the explanation why I praise them - because with numerous problems, they are performing admirably after a difficult week," he stated.

"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 former Leicester City manager continued: "Most difficult 48 hours since I joined the club because people failed to back me and the team."

When questioned if he meant people within at Chelsea, he replied: "Broadly speaking. In general," before clarifying when asked if it was aimed at supporters or the media: "I love the fans and we are very happy with the fans."

Injury and Disciplinary Crisis

Maresca also pointed to Chelsea's persistent injury and suspension problems, noting they had been missing key forward Cole Palmer for much of the season, in addition to being deprived of linchpin Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and striker Liam Delap to two serious injuries.

"I really applaud the players and the squad because we have played 16 Premier League games, 5 of them without Moises Caicedo, eleven of them without Cole Palmer, almost all of them without Liam Delap," he explained.

"And this squad, no matter who is playing, they are doing exceptionally. Today was five games in 12 days so undoubtedly when you see Cole Palmer playing, we have said many times that he's our best player but we play almost all season minus our best player.

"We play 5 games in the Premier League minus Moises Caicedo. This is the reason why I'm so pleased for the players and it's something that I would like people externally to acknowledge because the work from the players is remarkable."

Chelsea's triumph over Everton cemented 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 Over Maresca's Remark

It was not immediately clear who or what prompted Maresca to label the past 48 hours as the most difficult of his tenure as Chelsea head coach.

In that period, the coach had traveled back with his staff and players from his native Italy, conducted a session at Cobham, faced a pre-match news conference where he appeared relaxed, and secured a win over an in-form Everton team.

It was hard to discern whether any specific press stories had unsettled him, if social media discourse played a role, or if it was something more significant from inside the club at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca specifically took care to deny that it was an issue involving the club's supporters, a section of which have not yet fully embrace him since his arrival from Leicester during July last year.