Enzo Maresca Breaks Silence After Everton Win: “Worst 48 Hours Since I Joined Chelsea”

 

Enzo Maresca Breaks Silence After Everton Win: “Worst 48 Hours Since I Joined Chelsea”

 

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca delivered one of his most revealing post-match interviews yet after his side’s 2-0 victory over Everton, a result that ended a worrying four-game winless run and briefly eased the pressure building around Stamford Bridge.

 

Despite the positive scoreline and a composed performance, Maresca struck a reflective and emotional tone, admitting that the 48 hours leading up to kick-off had been the most difficult period he has faced since arriving at Chelsea.

 

 

Relief at last for Chelsea after difficult run

Saturday’s win was badly needed. Chelsea had gone four matches without a victory across all competitions, a sequence that included Premier League setbacks against Leeds United and frustrating draws with Arsenal and Bournemouth, before a damaging Champions League defeat to Atalanta.

 

That run had raised familiar questions about Chelsea’s consistency and direction, with supporters and pundits once again debating whether the project under Maresca was moving fast enough. Against Everton, however, Chelsea finally produced a performance that matched their potential.

 

Malo Gusto shines in hybrid role

The standout performer was Malo Gusto, who played a key role in both goals. The Frenchman provided the assist for Cole Palmer’s opener before getting on the scoresheet himself just before half-time, capping a dominant first-half display.

 

What made Gusto’s performance particularly notable was his role. Rather than operating as a traditional full-back, he drifted into midfield areas as Chelsea looked to overload the centre of the pitch. Maresca highlighted this tactical flexibility when speaking after the match.

 

He explained that both Gusto and club captain Reece James were effectively asked to play as midfielders, praising their intelligence and willingness to adapt.

 

“The effort from the players has been fantastic,” Maresca said via The Standard. “Reece and Malo are both full-backs, but today they were midfielders. The open mind they have, the way they want to learn, is the reason I praise them.”

 

‘The worst 48 hours since I joined the club’

Enzo Maresca Breaks Silence After Everton Win: “Worst 48 Hours Since I Joined Chelsea”

 

While the praise for his players was expected, Maresca’s next comments caught many by surprise. Rather than focusing solely on the win, the Chelsea head coach spoke candidly about the atmosphere around the club in the days before the Everton game.

 

“Since I joined the club, the last 48 hours have been the worst 48 hours,” he admitted. “Many people didn’t support us.”

 

Those words immediately sparked debate. Chelsea had not experienced a public crisis in the days leading up to the match, but the criticism following the Atalanta defeat and ongoing league struggles had clearly taken a toll.

 

When asked to clarify who he felt had failed to support him and the team, Maresca initially chose not to point fingers. He repeated that he was speaking “in general,” before making a clear effort to exclude the supporters from that criticism.

 

“I love the fans and we are very happy with the fans,” he said, making it clear that his frustration was not directed at those inside Stamford Bridge.

 

A manager under quiet pressure

Maresca’s comments offer an insight into the emotional strain of managing Chelsea in the modern era. Despite signs of progress in performances, the expectation to win immediately remains intense. Any dip in form is magnified, and patience is often in short supply.

 

Chelsea’s recent run underlined that tension. Against stronger opponents, they have looked organised and dangerous, but against teams they are expected to beat, control has often slipped away. That inconsistency has fuelled criticism, even as Maresca continues to reshape the squad and introduce new tactical ideas.

 

The Everton win does not erase those concerns, but it does provide breathing space. It also reinforces the manager’s belief in his players, particularly those willing to adapt and take responsibility in unfamiliar roles.

 

What this result could mean going forward

Statistically, Chelsea dominated Everton in key areas, controlling possession and limiting their opponents to few clear chances. Palmer’s goal took his league tally to double figures for the season, further underlining his importance, while Gusto’s contribution highlighted the growing influence of Chelsea’s younger core.

 

More importantly, the mood around the club has shifted, at least temporarily. Ending the winless run restores confidence and allows Maresca to push his ideas with renewed authority.

 

Yet his post-match remarks serve as a reminder that the pressure remains constant. One positive result may quiet the noise, but sustained improvement will be required to truly change the narrative.

 

For now, Chelsea have their win, their confidence, and a manager who feels vindicated by his players’ response during what he described as his toughest moment at the club. Whether this marks a turning point or merely a pause in the storm will become clearer in the weeks ahead.