Enzo Maresca ‘absolutely’ committed to Chelsea ahead of Carabao Cup tie with Cardiff City despite ‘worst 48 hours’ at club

Having been asked about Gusto’s display at full-time, Maresca instead revealed his frustrations from the previous two days, complaining that “people didn’t support me and the team” during a “complicated week”.

Speaking on Monday ahead of The Blues’ Carabao Cup tie with Cardiff City, the Italian told reporters he is “absolutely” committed to the west London side, but declined to elaborate on his comments from the weekend.

Asked if they had been explained to the club’s management, the 45-year-old said: “I can speak Italian, my language, Spanish very well, French and English.

“I think I was clear with what I said. When I want to say something, I am quite clear … I said what I said after the game. It’s finished.”

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He added: “I respect (the media’s) opinion. I respect people’s opinions. But again, I don’t have anything to add. My focus is on tomorrow’s game, where we can achieve a third semi-final in 18 months since I joined the club.

“We are in an era where everyone can say what they think. I respect people’s opinion. I don’t have anything to add. My focus is just on tomorrow.”

Chelsea’s win over Everton was a timely one, given their recent slump in form, and it saw them return to the top four of the Premier League.

Despite The Blues trailing league leaders Arsenal by eight points, Marecsa believes his side are heading in the “right direction”.

“For me, it is part of the journey,” he said. “But for sure, I feel we are getting better and better.

“When you are Chelsea manager you accept that expectations are higher … the target for this club is always to improve.”

Chelsea make the trip to Cardiff on Tuesday, looking to book their spot in the last four of the Carabao Cup.

Maresca confirmed that Palmer will be rested for the fixture, as Chelsea manage his return from injury, but the manager is wary of avoiding complacency against the League One outfit.

“Cole is one of the players who deserves to be protected. He is not in this moment available to play two games in three days,” Maresca said.

“These are the worst games because we have everything to lose. Football is full of all of these games where the favourites can lose. That is why all the focus is on Cardiff.

“It’s something we want to achieve for the fans. That’s why we need to do our best tomorrow.”