ENZO MARESCA has branded the last two days as the worst during his Chelsea tenure, hitting out at a lack of support.
The Italian manager, 45, refused to say who he was unhappy with – raising the possibility that he has fallen out with the ownership.
Chelsea had gone four games without a win before Cole Palmer scored his first goal since September to lift spirits at Stamford Bridge with a 2-0 win over Everton in front of England boss Thomas Tuchel.
Asked a question about Malo Gusto, who assisted Palmer before scoring the second, Maresca veered off track and said: “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.
“Worst 48 hours since I joined the club because people didn’t support me and the team.”
Asked to clarify whether it had been an internal lack of support, he added: “In general. In general. I love the fans and we are very happy with the fans.”
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Chelsea have now played five days in 12 games, with yesterday’s victory the only win.
Defeat at relegation-fighting Leeds was the low point and, again unprompted, Maresca took responsibility for that – saying he has been dealing with a “situation” since day one.
Maresca said: “I try to convince them [the players] that this is football.
“This is part of football. You need to be ready. I took completely 100 per cent responsibility from Leeds game.
“It’s been my mistake in terms of line-up, in terms of game plan. It was not about players.
“We are getting better and better and better. Especially with all this kind of situation that we try to manage since day one.”
Palmer returned to the starting eleven after his troublesome groin injury, making his first Stamford Bridge appearance since the opening day of the season.
With Tuchel in the stands – and just one international break before he names his World Cup squad – Palmer rolled in a cool first half strike to get Chelsea going.
Palmer said: “I’ve not been looking too far ahead to be honest.
“I’ve been injured for three months, I just need to get back to full fitness. I know what I can offer when I’m fully fit so hopefully I get there soon.
“I wouldn’t say I’m at my best yet. I’m still dealing with an injury. Hopefully it gets better and better but there’s still a bit to go.
“It is getting better. The stuff I’ve been doing with the physios at the club. It’s just a matter of not doing too much too soon.”
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