Speaking after Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat of Everton on Saturday, Maresca made the surprise revelation that the lead-up to the match had featured “the worst 48 hours” of his tenure with the club, prompting speculation as to the strength of his relationship with those above him.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca refused to explain the comments he made after beating Everton on Saturday; Maresca said the days before beating the Toffees 2-0 were the worst 48 hours as Chelsea boss; watch Cardiff vs Chelsea live on Sky Sports on Tuesday,

Chelsea boss Maresca has opened up a can of worms: "The last 48 hours have been the hardest since I joined the club."

They pushed Newcastle hard on their visit to St. James' Park in October, only falling to a last minute winner from Bruno Guimaraes. Only two points separate them from their hosts, who will be feeling the pressure after Sunday's defeat in the Tyne-Weir derby and who looked drained from competing on four fronts.

The Blues snapped a four-game winless streak—three disappointing performances after the impressive 1–1 draw with Arsenal—with a routine 2–0 triumph over the Toffees on Saturday as the returning Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto found the back of the net for Chelsea.

Head coach Enzo Maresca confirms that a specific Chelsea player will be among those rested for Tuesday's EFL Cup quarter-final against Cardiff City.

The head coach said the issue was a "general" one and that he is "very happy with the fans" after their win against Everton on Saturday.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is evasive when asked to explain his claim that he has endured his "worst 48 hours" at the club and lacked support.