Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca laments ‘worst’ 48 hours, gives warning over Cole Palmer fitness after win over Everton

“The last 48 hours have been the worst since I joined the club because many people didn’t support me and the team,” he said. “In general.”

Asked if he was talking about Chelsea fans, he replied: “I love the fans, and we are very happy with the fans.”

Maresca was pleased with Palmer’s return, but warned that the player was not yet at full fitness.

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Defender Malo Gusto made it two just before the end of the first half, leaving The Blues in fourth place at the end of the match, though Crystal Palace in fifth could go a point ahead of them if they were to win their game in hand, against Manchester City at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon.

As a result he has played just seven games – six in the league – for his side, scoring three goals in all competitions so far this season.

However, Maresca warned that he would not be able to play two games in a week as he works his way back to full fitness.

The Italian said of his playmaker: “In this moment he can’t play.”

When asked if he would feature against Cardiff in their Carabao Cup quarter-final tie in Wales on Tuesday evening, he added: “Probably not.”

However, he was pleased to have Palmer back for the match against Everton, and lamented his lack of playing time so far in the current campaign, saying: “We said many times with Cole we are a better team. Unfortunately, he was out for many games for us, but now he’s back and for sure he will help us.”

Goalscorer Gusto and fellow defender Reece James were both used as inverted full-backs during the match, with Maresca suggesting it was wrong to assume that teams cannot ask both defenders on the flank to perform the role.

He said: “Never with two, huh? They are good players and when they are good players they can play in every position. They can play full-back and midfielder.

“(Malo Gusto) took the chance and his assist for Cole, so I am very happy for Malo.”

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Chelsea ended the match five points off the top of the league standings. But with less than half the season played, Maresca was not willing to concede the team were out of the race for the Premier League title.

He stated: “If we are not able to win, win, win, that still doesn’t mean we’re not ready to compete for titles.”

Maresca credited his whole team, rather than just the defence, for the clean sheet, adding: “When you don’t concede it’s not just about one player, it’s about all the team. Joao Pedro’s press, Alejandro Garnacho’s press.”

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