The Manager Enzo Maresca Calls Lead-Up Period as The 'Worst 48 Hours' with the Club

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca revealed that the build-up to Saturday's win against Everton was "the worst 48 hours" he has experienced at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian offered a somewhat cryptic message in his post-match press conference despite earning a 2-0 win at home courtesy of strikes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.

Those three precious points sent Chelsea once again into the Premier League's top four, perhaps improving the mood following a loss to Atalanta in the Champions League that had stretched the side's winless run to four matches.

Yet, when asked about the full-back's assist and overall display, Maresca unexpectedly disclosed his annoyance over the previous two days within the club.

"How the squad 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 stated.

"Since I joined the club, the last 48 hours have been the toughest because many people didn't support us."

Pressed on his meaning, the former Leicester City boss added: "Most difficult 48 hours since I came to the club because people failed to back me and the team."

When questioned if he meant people internally at Chelsea, he answered: "In general. Overall," before clarifying when queried if it was aimed at supporters or the media: "I love the fans and we are extremely content with the fans."

Injury & Disciplinary Crisis

Maresca also drew attention to Chelsea's ongoing injury and suspension issues, remarking they had been missing key forward Cole Palmer for much of the season, in addition to losing linchpin Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and striker Liam Delap to two significant injuries.

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

"And this squad, no matter who is playing, they are performing fantastic. Today was 5 games in 12 days so undoubtedly when you see Cole Palmer there, we have said many times that he's our best player but we play almost all season without our top player.

"We play 5 games in the Premier League without Moises Caicedo. This is the explanation why I'm so happy for the players and it's something that I would like people externally to recognize because the effort from the players is remarkable."

Chelsea's triumph over Everton cemented their standing in fourth in the Premier League table, with a Carabao Cup quarter-final tie at Cardiff and a league trip to Newcastle scheduled in the coming days.

Uncertainty Regarding Maresca's Remark

It was ambiguous who or what prompted Maresca to describe the previous 48 hours as the worst of his spell as Chelsea manager.

In that timeframe, the Italian had traveled back with his staff and players from his native Italy, conducted a session at Cobham, attended a pre-match press briefing where he seemed relaxed, and engineered a victory over an high-flying Everton team.

It was hard to discern whether any particular press stories had irked him, if social media comments were a factor, 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 still have yet to fully warm to him since his arrival from Leicester in July last year.