Enzo Maresca: Chelsea boss describes build-up to Everton game as ‘worst 48 hours’
Chelsea Coach Enzo Maresca talked about the process leading to Saturday’s victory Everton He described it as “the worst 48 hours” since arriving at the club.
Despite the 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge with goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto, the Italian player gave a cryptic message at the post-match press conference.
Three points, which would take Chelsea back into the Premier League top four, would improve morale after losing to Atalanta in the Champions League and extend Chelsea’s winless run to four matches.
However, when asked about Gusto’s assist and overall performance, Maresca surprisingly revealed his disappointment in his last two days at the club.
“The way the players wanted to learn was amazing and that’s why I praise them because, despite the many problems, they are doing very well after a complicated week,” he said.
“The last 48 hours have been the worst since I joined the club because not many people supported us.”
Asked what he meant, the former Leicester City manager added: “It was the worst 48 hours since I joined the club because people didn’t support me and the team.”
When asked if he meant people at Chelsea, he replied: “In general. In general”, and when asked whether this was directed at the fans or the media, he clarified: “I love the fans and we are very happy with the fans.”
Maresca also pointed out Chelsea’s injury and suspension problems, stating that they were without star attacker Cole Palmer for most of the season, as well as losing key midfielder Moises Caicedo to a three-match ban and striker Liam Delap to two serious injuries.
“I really appreciate the players and the squad because we have played 16 Premier League games, five without Moises Caicedo, 11 without Cole Palmer and almost all without Liam Delap,” he said.
“And this team is doing great, no matter who they’re playing. Today it was five games in 12 days, so of course when you see Cole Palmer there, we’ve said many times that he’s our best player, but we’ve been playing almost the entire season without our best player.”
“We’re playing five games in the Premier League without Moises Caicedo. That’s why I’m so happy for the players and it’s something I want people outside to appreciate because the effort the players are putting in is fantastic.”
Chelsea’s victory over Everton cemented their position in fourth place in the Premier League table, with a Carabao Cup quarter-final in Cardiff and a league trip to Newcastle next week taking place.
