Maresca baffles with 'worst 48 hours' claim

ENZO Maresca left reporters baffled when he responded to Chelsea's 2-0 home win over Everton by declaring the previous 48 hours had been his “worst” at Stamford Bridge.

- By JOE THOMAS

Enzo Maresca

The Italian used a question about Malo Gusto’s newfound prowess in front of goal - the defender-turned-midfielder scored the crucial second for his side just before halftime - as a platform to deliver the stunning claim.

His comment caused confusion as it was not initially clear why he had found the previous days so difficult. While Chelsea drew at Bournemouth in the Premier League then lost to Atalanta in the Champions League in midweek, they started the day fifth in the table - and rose to fourth through their victory.

The drama after a routine win bore similarities to recent Blues trips to west London. A 2-2 draw three seasons ago plunged the future of then-manager Graham Potter into further doubt.