The Manager Maresca Describes Pre-Match Period as His 'Worst 48 Hours' at the Club
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca stated that the preparation to Saturday's triumph against Everton was "the most challenging 48 hours" since his arrival at Stamford Bridge.
The 44-year-old made a puzzling comment in his post-match press conference despite securing a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge through strikes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.
Those points lifted Chelsea once again into the Premier League's top four, perhaps lightening the mood after a loss to Atalanta in the Champions League that had extended the team's winless run to four matches.
But, when asked about the full-back's assist and general display, Maresca surprisingly disclosed his frustration over the previous two days at the organization.
"The way the lads want to learn has been excellent and this is the explanation why I applaud them - because with a host of issues, they are excelling after a complicated week," he said.
"From the moment I arrived at the club, the past 48 hours have been the most difficult because a lot of people failed to back us."
Pressed on his meaning, the ex- Leicester City boss added: "Worst 48 hours since I joined the club because people failed to back me and the team."
When questioned if he meant people internally at Chelsea, he responded: "In general. In general," before specifying when queried if it was directed towards supporters or the media: "I love the fans and we are very pleased with the fans."
Fitness and Suspension Woes
Maresca also drew attention to Chelsea's persistent injury and disciplinary issues, noting they had been without star attacker Cole Palmer for much of the season, in addition to being deprived of key midfielder Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and striker Liam Delap to a couple of serious injuries.
"I really praise the players and the squad because we played 16 Premier League games, 5 of them minus Moises Caicedo, 11 of them without Cole Palmer, almost all of them minus Liam Delap," he said.
"And this squad, regardless of who is on the pitch, they are doing brilliantly. Today was five 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 minus our top player.
"We play five games in the Premier League without Moises Caicedo. This is the explanation why I'm so delighted for the players and it's something that I would like people externally to acknowledge because the commitment from the players is fantastic."
Chelsea's triumph over Everton cemented their standing 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 Comments
It was unclear who or what prompted Maresca to label the past 48 hours as the most difficult of his tenure as Chelsea manager.
In that timeframe, the coach had returned with his backroom team and players from his native Italy, held a session at the training ground, faced a pre-game press briefing where he seemed relaxed, and secured a win over an high-flying Everton side.
It was hard to discern whether any particular media reports had unsettled him, if social media comments played a role, or if it was something deeper from inside the club at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca only sought to deny that it was an matter related to the club's supporters, some of whom have still have yet to fully warm to him since his appointment from Leicester during July last year.