Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has sparked confusion after describing the 48 hours leading into Saturday’s 2-0 win over Everton as the “worst since I joined the club”.
The Blues’ victory at Stamford Bridge ended a four-game winless run across all competitions, in which they drew with Arsenal and Bournemouth and lost to Leeds United in the Premier League, before falling to defeat against Atalanta.
Malo Gusto assisted Cole Palmer’s opener before adding a goal of his own before half-time, in a standout display.
Asked about the full-back’s performance, Maresca was quick to praise both Gusto and club captain Reece James before venting over a frustrating few days.
“It's the effort from the players,” he said. “We said many times that Reece and Malo are both full-backs, and today they were both midfielders. So the effort, the open mind, the way they want to learn has been fantastic.
“And this is the reason why I praise the players. Because with so many problems, they are doing very well after a complicated week. Since I joined the club, the last 48 hours have been the worst 48 hours since I joined the club, because many people didn't support us.
“So I'm very happy for Malo in that moment that the effort from Malo and from the rest show that they are all there and they want to help this club.”
When asked to clarify his “48 hours” comment and whether this referred to not feeling supported by the Chelsea hierarchy, the fanbase, or the media, Maresca at first did not elaborate.
“Worst 48 hours since I joined the club, because people didn't support me and the team,” he repeated. “[People] in general. In general.”
Prompted again to clarify whether he meant the fans or the media, Maresca said: “I love the fans and we are very happy with the fans.”
