Enzo Maresca has said he had a “worst 48 hours” as Chelsea head coach before his explosive 2-0 victory over Everton.
Chelsea’s victory over the Toffees ended a run of four games without a competitive win and moved them back into the Premier League’s top four, but Maresca was clearly unhappy despite the pressure being taken off by their first win since November 22.
In an unusual fury, the Blues manager suggested he and his team felt unsupported, before refusing to reveal what the issue was and to whom his words were directed.
When asked about Maro Gusto’s performance against Everton, Maresca praised his players before venting his frustration.
“This is the result of the players’ efforts,” he said at the post-match press conference.
“As I’ve said many times, Reece (James) and Maro (Gusto) are both full-backs and today they were both midfielders, so their effort, their open-mindedness, their willingness to learn was great. That’s why I praise the players, because after a complicated week with so many problems, they’ve done very well.”
“The last 48 hours have been the worst 48 hours since I joined the club because not many people supported us. I’m very happy for Malo in that moment. The effort of Malo and the rest of the guys shows that they’re all there and want to help this club.”
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After being asked to clarify his comments, he reiterated: “It’s been the worst 48 hours since joining the club because people haven’t supported me and the team.”
His comments caused so much confusion that reporters kept asking who he was talking about and if he was referring to the fans.
“(People) in general. In general.” Asked again if he was referring to the fans or the media, Maresca said, “I love the fans and I’m very happy for them.”
“Many people did not support us” – Full text of Maresca’s exchange with reporters…
How satisfied are you with Malo Gusto?
EM: “Yeah, but again it’s the effort of the players. As I said many times, Rees and Maro are both full-backs and today they were both midfielders, so their effort, open-mindedness and willingness to learn was great. That’s why I praise the players, because they’ve done so well after a complicated week with so many problems.
“The last 48 hours have been the worst 48 hours since I joined the club because not many people supported us. So I’m very happy for Malo in this moment because the effort of Malo and the rest of the guys shows that they’re all there and want to help this club.”
What does it mean that no one has helped me in the last 48 hours?
EM: “It was the worst 48 hours since I joined the club because people didn’t support me and the team.”
Ordinary people?
EM: “Generally, generally.”
Do you mean fans or media?
EM: “I love our fans, and we’re very happy with them.”
“Maresca’s press conference caught everyone off guard.”
Analysis from Sky Sports’ Oliver Yu at Stamford Bridge:
“The expected questions have come and gone regarding Cole Palmer’s return and Chelsea’s return to winning ways.
“Everything went as expected after Chelsea won their first win in four competitive matches.
“Everything changed after the question about Maro Gusto’s performance above all else, but despite his great performance against Everton, things quickly turned away from Gusto.
“After Maresca’s shocking explosion, there were suddenly more questions, but no answers.
“Who is he talking about about the lack of support? Journalists tried to get answers, but Maresca remained shy and cryptic, unable to clarify anything he had said.
“After Maresca left, the discussion continued with no one really knowing what he meant. Everyone was caught a little by surprise and a fun night for Chelsea remained shrouded in mystery.”
