The Boss Maresca Calls Pre-Match Time as The 'Worst 48 Hours' at the Club

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca revealed that the run-up to Saturday's triumph against Everton was "the most challenging 48 hours" of his tenure with the London club.

The Italian made a somewhat cryptic message in his post-match media briefing despite earning a 2-0 win at home courtesy of finishes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those three precious points propelled Chelsea back into the Premier League's top four, potentially lightening the atmosphere after a defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League that had extended the side's drought without a win to four outings.

But, when questioned about Gusto's assist and general performance, Maresca unexpectedly disclosed his displeasure over the preceding two days at the organization.

"The way the squad want to develop has been superb and this is the explanation why I applaud them - because with so many issues, they are excelling after a difficult week," he said.

"From the moment I arrived at the club, the last 48 hours have been the toughest because a lot of people didn't support us."

Pressed on his meaning, the former Leicester City boss continued: "Most difficult 48 hours since I came to the club because people didn't support me and the team."

When asked if he meant people within at Chelsea, he answered: "In general. Overall," before specifying when queried if it was aimed at supporters or the media: "I adore the fans and we are extremely happy with the fans."

Fitness and Suspension Woes

Maresca also highlighted Chelsea's persistent injury and disciplinary issues, noting they had been without star attacker Cole Palmer for much of the season, in addition to losing linchpin Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and forward Liam Delap to a couple of serious injuries.

"I truly praise the players and the squad because we have played 16 Premier League games, five of them minus Moises Caicedo, 11 of them without Cole Palmer, almost all of them without Liam Delap," he said.

"And this squad, no matter who is playing, they are doing fantastic. Today was five games in 12 days so certainly when you see Cole Palmer there, we have said many times that he's our finest player but we play the vast majority of the season minus our top player.

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

Chelsea's success over Everton consolidated their standing in fourth in the Premier League table, with a Carabao Cup quarter-final tie at Cardiff and a league journey to Newcastle to come in the coming days.

Uncertainty Over Maresca's Remark

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

In that timeframe, the Italian had returned with his staff and players from Bergamo, conducted a session at the training ground, attended a pre-match news conference where he seemed at ease, and engineered a win over an high-flying Everton team.

It was hard to discern whether any particular media reports had irked him, if online comments were a factor, or if it was something more significant from within the club at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca specifically took care to deny that it was an matter related to the club's fans, some of whom have not yet fully warm to him since his arrival from Leicester in July last year.