Enzo Maresca has described the 48 hours leading up to Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Everton as “the worst 48 hours since he joined the club”.
Chelsea ended a four-game winless run in all competitions with victory over the Toffees and moved back into the Premier League’s top four, but Maresca was clearly unhappy despite a first win since November 22 easing the pressure on him.
In a remarkable outburst, the Blues boss suggested he felt he and his team had not been supported, before refusing to clarify what the problem was and who his words were aimed at.
Asked about Mali Gust’s performance against Everton, Maresca praised his players before venting his frustration.
“It’s the effort of the players,” he said at the press conference after the match.
“We said many times that Rhys (James) and Malo (Gusto), they are both full-backs and today they were both midfielders. So the effort, the openness, the way they want to learn was fantastic and that’s why I praise the players because with so many problems they are doing very well after a complicated week.
“The last 48 hours were the worst 48 hours since I came to the club because a lot of people did not support us. I am very happy for Malo at that moment, that the efforts of Malo and the others show that everyone is there and wants to help this club.
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After being asked to clarify his comments, he reiterated: “Worst 48 hours since I joined the club because people didn’t support me and the team.
With his comments causing confusion, reporters continued to ask who he was talking about and if they were fans.
“(People) in general. In general.” Asked again to clarify whether he was referring to the fans or the media, Maresca said: “I love the fans and we are very happy with the fans.”
‘Many did not support us’ – Mareska’s exchange with journalists in full…
How satisfied are you with Mali Gusta?
EM: “Yes, but again, it’s the effort of the players. We’ve said many times that Rhys and Malo, both defenders and today they were both midfielders. So the effort, the openness, the way they want to learn was fantastic and that’s why I praise the players because with so many problems, they’re doing very well after a complicated week.
“Since I’ve been at the club, the last 48 hours have been the worst 48 hours since I’ve been at the club because a lot of people didn’t support us. So I’m very happy for Malo at that moment because the efforts of Malo and the others show that everyone is there and wants to help this club.”
What do you mean by people not supporting you in the last 48 hours?
EM: “Worst 48 hours since I joined the club because people didn’t support me and the team.
People in general?
EM: “In general. In general.”
Do you mean the fans or the media?
EM: “I love the fans and we are very happy with the fans.