Maresca Describes His Toughest 48 Hours Since Joining Chelsea
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s manager, recently shared insights on the challenging period leading up to their 2-0 victory against Everton. This match, held at Stamford Bridge, featured goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto, allowing Chelsea to climb back into the Premier League’s top four.
Maresca’s Toughest 48 Hours at Chelsea
Despite the win, Maresca described the preceding 48 hours as “the worst” since he joined the club. In a candid post-match news conference, he expressed his frustrations about the lack of support during this time. “Since I joined the club, the last 48 hours have been tough because many people didn’t support us,” he stated.
Addressing Support and Internal Issues
The Italian manager did not specify who he felt had not supported him. However, he emphasized the need for collective encouragement within the team and its supporters. “In general,” he reiterated when pressed about his comments, maintaining positivity towards the Chelsea fans.
Player Injuries and Team Performance
Maresca also highlighted the significant injuries plaguing the team. Key players, including star attacker Cole Palmer, midfielder Moises Caicedo, and striker Liam Delap, have faced extended absences.
- Cole Palmer: Missed much of the season
- Moises Caicedo: Serving a three-match ban
- Liam Delap: Sustained two significant injuries
“We’ve played 16 Premier League games, with five without Caicedo, and 11 without Palmer,” Maresca remarked. His praise for the squad highlighted their resilience and performance under adversity.
Upcoming Challenges
Chelsea’s victory against Everton consolidated their fourth-place position in the Premier League. Looking ahead, they face a busy schedule that includes a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Cardiff and a league fixture at Newcastle next week.
The effort and dedication from the Chelsea players during this taxing period have not gone unnoticed, as Maresca hopes for greater appreciation from the outside world for their hard work.
