Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca adopts firm stance over barrage of questions addressing "worst 48 hours" comment

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has refused to elaborate on claims that he experienced 'his worst 48 hours' at Stamford Bridge last week.

On Saturday, the Blues ended a four-match winless streak with a 2-0 victory over Everton, ensuring that the club moved back into fourth position in the Premier League table.

However, the aftermath of that game was dominated by Maresca claiming that the 48 hours before the meeting with the Toffees had been his worst at the club.

Maresca felt that he had received a 'lack of support' during that period, yet was not clear over who he was referring to.

Ahead of Tuesday's EFL Cup quarter-final against Cardiff City, it was inevitable that the pre-match press conference would feature a barrage of questioning over the matter.

Maresca takes firm stance over recent Chelsea comments

Nevertheless, despite being relentlessly quizzed during the media briefing, the Italian maintained a stance that he would not be adding anything further.

He said: "I already spoke about that and I don't have nothing to add. It's Cardiff tomorrow, please.

"I already spoke about that and I think I was quite clear. No more than that."

Maresca added: "I respect your opinion and people's opinion. I have nothing to add. My focus is on tomorrow's game and that we can achieve the third semi-final in my time at the club."

Although he was presented with six more questions that skirted around the issue, Maresca insisted that he 'had nothing to add' and it was "finished", repeatedly attempting to turn focus towards the game in South Wales.

When asked about Chelsea's fanbase, Maresca replied: "I said after the game that I love Chelsea supporters - they deserve the best. Again, I don't have nothing to add."

Internal issue at Chelsea?

A report over the weekend suggested that the ongoing issue arose when Maresca felt that he did not receive support after the 2-1 defeat at Atalanta BC in the Champions League last Tuesday.

Chelsea led that game and squandered chances to double their advantage. Any criticism could have been directed at the defeat itself or the perceived unusual decision not to introduce Andrey Santos or Estevao Willian in the second half when one substitution remained available.

Maresca's insistence on highlighting that he is on the brink of a third semi-final since his arrival last summer appeared to be a show of defiance in the face of any negativity aimed towards him.

While there are no signs that Maresca could leave Chelsea, the Cardiff game is followed by a trip to Newcastle United and home fixture with Aston Villa, two mammoth fixtures in the Premier League.