The Manager Maresca Labels Lead-Up Period as His 'Toughest Two Days' at the Blues

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca remarked that the run-up to Saturday's victory against Everton was "the toughest 48 hours" he has experienced with the London club.

The Italian delivered a somewhat cryptic message in his post-match press conference even after earning a 2-0 win at home through strikes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those crucial points lifted Chelsea once again into the English top flight's top four, potentially improving the mood after a loss to Atalanta in the Champions League that had stretched the side's winless run to four matches.

However, when asked about Gusto's assist and overall performance, Maresca surprisingly disclosed his displeasure over the previous 48-hour period at the club.

"The way the lads are eager to develop has been fantastic and this is the explanation why I applaud them - because with so many challenges, they are excelling after a complicated week," he said.

"From the moment I arrived at the club, the previous 48 hours have been the worst because several people failed to back us."

Pressed on his meaning, the ex- Leicester City boss added: "Worst 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 responded: "In general. Overall," before clarifying when asked if it was directed towards supporters or the media: "I love the fans and we are very pleased with the fans."

Injury and Disciplinary Woes

Maresca also highlighted Chelsea's ongoing fitness and suspension issues, noting they had been without key forward Cole Palmer for a large portion of the campaign, in addition to losing linchpin Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and forward Liam Delap to a couple of serious injuries.

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

"And this squad, regardless of who is on the pitch, they are doing brilliantly. Today was 5 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 the vast majority of the season without 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 success over Everton consolidated their position in fourth in the Premier League table, with a Carabao Cup quarter-final tie at Cardiff and a league journey to Newcastle to come next week.

Speculation Regarding Maresca's Comments

It was ambiguous who or what caused Maresca to label the previous 48 hours as the most difficult of his time as Chelsea manager.

In that window, the Italian had returned with his staff and players from his native Italy, held a training session at Cobham, attended a pre-match press briefing where he seemed at ease, and secured a win over an in-form Everton team.

It was hard to discern whether any particular press stories had irked him, if social media comments played a role, or if it was something more significant from inside the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca only sought to deny that it was an issue involving the club's supporters, some of whom have still have yet to fully embrace him since his appointment from Leicester during July last year.