The Boss Maresca Describes Pre-Match Period as The 'Most Difficult Two Days' with the Blues

Chelsea tactician Enzo Maresca revealed that the build-up to Saturday's victory against Everton constituted "the most challenging 48 hours" since his arrival with the London club.

The Italian made a somewhat cryptic comment in his after-game interview despite notching a 2-0 win at home courtesy of finishes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those points lifted Chelsea back into the Premier League's top four, potentially improving the atmosphere after a defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League that had extended the side's winless run to consecutive fixtures.

But, when questioned about the full-back's assist and overall display, Maresca unexpectedly shared his frustration over the preceding two days at the club.

"How the squad are eager to learn has been superb and this is the explanation why I commend them - because with so many challenges, they are excelling after a difficult week," he stated.

"From the moment I arrived at the club, the previous 48 hours have been the most difficult because several people withheld support from us."

When pushed further on the specifics, the ex- Leicester City manager continued: "Most difficult 48 hours since I came to the club because people didn't support me and the team."

When questioned if he meant people internally at Chelsea, he replied: "Broadly speaking. In general," before clarifying when asked if it was directed towards supporters or the press: "I adore the fans and we are extremely happy with the fans."

Injury and Disciplinary Crisis

Maresca also pointed to Chelsea's persistent fitness and suspension issues, remarking 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 striker Liam Delap to a couple of serious injuries.

"I really praise the players and the squad because we have played 16 Premier League games, five of them minus Moises Caicedo, eleven of them without Cole Palmer, nearly every one of them minus Liam Delap," he said.

"And this squad, no matter who is playing, they are doing exceptionally. Today was five games in 12 days so certainly when you see Cole Palmer available, 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 5 games in the Premier League minus Moises Caicedo. This is the explanation why I'm so happy for the players and it's something that I would want people outside to recognize because the work from the players is remarkable."

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

Uncertainty Regarding Maresca's Comments

It was ambiguous what exactly caused Maresca to label the past 48 hours as the most difficult of his tenure as Chelsea manager.

In that window, the coach had traveled back with his staff and players from his native Italy, held a training session at Cobham, attended a pre-match news conference where he appeared at ease, and secured a win over an in-form Everton side.

It was hard to discern whether any specific media reports had unsettled him, if online discourse played a role, or if it was something deeper from within the club at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca specifically took care to rule out that it was an matter involving the club's fans, a section of which have not yet fully warm to him since his arrival from Leicester during July last year.