Chelsea's Manager Maresca Calls Lead-Up Period as The 'Most Difficult 48 Hours' at the Blues

Chelsea tactician Enzo Maresca revealed that the preparation to the weekend's victory against Everton was "the most challenging 48 hours" since his arrival at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian made a puzzling message in his after-game press conference despite earning a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge thanks to strikes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those crucial points propelled Chelsea back into the English top flight's top four, potentially lightening the atmosphere after a loss to Atalanta in the Champions League that had extended the side's winless run to four fixtures.

Yet, when asked about the full-back's assist and overall performance, Maresca unexpectedly shared his frustration over the preceding 48-hour period within the organization.

"The way the players are eager to learn has been superb and this is the reason why I applaud them - because with numerous problems, they are performing admirably after a tricky week," he commented.

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

When pushed further on his meaning, the former Leicester City boss elaborated: "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 within at Chelsea, he responded: "Broadly speaking. In general," before specifying when queried if it was aimed at fans or the media: "I adore the fans and we are extremely content with the fans."

Injury and Disciplinary Woes

Maresca also highlighted Chelsea's ongoing injury and disciplinary issues, noting they had been without star attacker Cole Palmer for much of the campaign, as well as being deprived of linchpin Moises Caicedo to a three-game ban and striker Liam Delap to two serious injuries.

"I really praise 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, nearly every one of them minus Liam Delap," he said.

"And this squad, regardless of who is playing, they are doing exceptionally. Today was five games in 12 days so for sure when you see Cole Palmer playing, we have said many times that he's our finest player but we play almost all 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 like people outside to acknowledge because the commitment from the players is outstanding."

Chelsea's success over Everton consolidated their position in 4th place in the Premier League table, with a Carabao Cup quarter-final tie at Cardiff and a league journey to Newcastle to come next week.

Uncertainty Regarding Maresca's Remark

It was ambiguous what exactly prompted Maresca to label the previous 48 hours as the most difficult of his tenure as Chelsea head coach.

In that period, the coach had returned with his backroom team and players from Bergamo, conducted a training session at the training ground, attended a pre-match press briefing where he appeared relaxed, and secured a win over an in-form Everton team.

It was unclear whether any particular press stories had irked him, if social media discourse played a role, or if it was something more significant from within the club at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca only sought to deny that it was an matter involving the club's supporters, some of whom have not yet fully warm to him since his appointment from Leicester in July last year.