Maresca fumes after Everton win as Chelsea boss admits ‘worst 48 hours’ at the Bridge

Enzo Maresca claimed the build-up to Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Everton was the “worst 48 hours” of his time at the club, despite three points and a move back into the Premier League top four.

Goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto settled it at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, ending a four-game winless run that had followed a bruising defeat away to Atalanta in midweek. On paper, things looked calm again. In reality, the Chelsea boss was clearly seething.

Maresca dropped his bombshell in his post-match press conference, offering a cryptic warning about a lack of support around the club. Asked about Gusto’s display, the Italian instead turned his focus to the previous two days, admitting he had been frustrated by the noise.

“The way the players want to learn has been fantastic,” Maresca said. “This is why I praise them. With so many problems, they are doing very well after a complicated week. Since I joined the club, the last 48 hours has been the worst because many people didn’t support us.”

Pressed on who he meant, the former Leicester boss doubled down. “Worst 48 hours since I joined the club because people didn’t support me and the team,” he said, before rowing back slightly. Asked if it was aimed at fans or media, Maresca added: “I love the fans. We are very happy with the fans.”

Injuries and bans was a big part of his defence. Maresca pointed out Chelsea has played large chunks of the season without key men, including Palmer, Moises Caicedo and striker Liam Delap. Levi Colwill has also been missing throughout the campaign.

“We played 16 Premier League games, five without Moises, 11 without Cole, almost all without Liam,” he said. “This squad, no matter who is playing, they are doing fantastic. We play almost all season without our best player. This is why I want people outside to appreciate the effort.”

Saturday’s win lifted Chelsea back into fourth, steadying the ship after a tough run and easing some of the pressure. It also kept alive Maresca’s impressive record of never losing more than two league games in a row since arriving in west London.

Behind the scenes, there is a feeling Maresca believes he is being judged unfairly while overseeing the youngest squad in the league. He has repeatedly warned against title talk and reminded critics this is not the Abramovich-era Chelsea built to win immediately.

Next up is a busy stretch, with a Carabao Cup quarter-final away at Cardiff followed by a tricky league trip to Newcastle. Maresca will face the media again on Monday. Don’t expect him to soften his message.