Enzo Maresca: Chelsea boss ‘happy’ and ‘in love with the players’ despite comments last week about ‘worst 48 hours’

Maresca, who led the Blues to Club World Cup and Europa Conference League glory earlier this year, has now taken Chelsea to three semi-finals in 18 months.

But speculation around what he has said, and what he has not, has rumbled on from Saturday with his failure to explain what he meant.

Maresca’s team selection and rotation policy has come under criticism at times this season and the former Leicester boss is believed to have wanted more protection from figures within Chelsea during their recent four-game winless run.

He has also been quick to highlight his injury and suspension problems, with star forward Cole Palmer injured for much of the season while key midfielder Moises Caicedo is serving a three-match suspension and managing an ongoing knee issue.

Having qualified for the Champions League in his first season in charge then guided Chelsea to two trophies, Maresca perhaps feels he should receive more support.

Reaching the last four of the League Cup puts the Blues as contenders for another piece of silverware.

Asked if he felt backed by the club, Maresca told Sky Sports: “Tonight the focus has to be that we reached the semi-final, the support from fans has always been there.

“We are going in the right direction, everything I do is because I want the best for everyone – the fans, players, everyone.”