Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca calls last 48 hours his ‘worst’ as head coach due to lack of support
Enzo Maresca has labelled the previous 48 hours as his worst as Chelsea head coach because of a lack of backing for him and the team.
In an unexpected rant following Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Everton, a clearly tense Maresca complained about his treatment although did not clarify who he was referring to.
Chelsea went into the match having failed to win their last four matches in all competitions, including poor defeats at Leeds United and Atalanta.
When asked about Malo Gusto scoring and assisting in today’s victory, Maresca said: “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 has been the worst 48 hours since I joined the club because many people didn’t support us. So very happy for Malo in that moment that the effort from Malo and the rest showed that they are all there and want to help this club.”
When pressed on what he meant, he replied: “Worst 48 hours since I joined the club because people didn’t support me and the team.”
Asked if it was an internal issue or anything to with Chelsea fans, he said: “In general. I love the fans and I am very happy with the fans.”
Chelsea’s victory lifted them back into the top four of the Premier League although there are other fixtures to be played this weekend. They are struggling to secure a top 8 finish in the Champions League group phase following the loss in Atalanta and have a Carabao Cup Quarter Final at Cardiff City on Tuesday night.
‘Startling’ and ‘bizarre’
Perhaps the most startling thing about Maresca’s comments is that no-one saw them coming.
A 2-0 win over Everton should have restored some of the feel-good factor around Stamford Bridge after a disappointing few weeks, especially the last three matches.
But Maresca has put that to a halt by making these comments unprovoked. Naturally people will speculate as to who he is referring to and by seemingly ruling out the fans, questions will inevitably centre on whether everything is fine behind the scenes.
Maresca appeared to be in a reasonably upbeat mood during his pre-match press conference on Friday so it makes the situation even more bizarre.
