Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has played down suggestions of unrest at Stamford Bridge, insisting he is “happy” at the club and increasingly impressed by his players, just days after admitting he endured the “worst 48 hours” of his tenure.

The Italian manager made the remarks following Chelsea’s 3-1 victory over Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, a result that secured the Blues a place in the semi-finals and kept their hopes of silverware alive this season.

Despite strong results on the pitch, Maresca’s recent comments after a Premier League win over Everton sparked widespread speculation about tensions behind the scenes.

Strong Results Amid Off-Field Questions

Chelsea currently sit fourth in the Premier League, underlining a positive league campaign, and their midweek cup win in south Wales further highlighted the team’s progress. However, attention has lingered on Maresca’s post-match comments at the weekend, where he suggested a lack of support during a difficult period.

He described the two days before the Everton match as the most challenging since his arrival, citing frustration that “people didn’t support me and the team.” While the statement raised eyebrows, Maresca declined to clarify who the criticism was aimed at when questioned during his subsequent press conference.

Maresca Emphasises Fan Support

After the Cardiff victory, Maresca moved to reassure supporters, stressing that he feels backed by Chelsea fans and understands the realities of football management.

“I’ve said many times that the supporters have always been there,” Maresca explained. “Of course, when you don’t win, fans are not happy. That’s normal everywhere in the world. But overall, the support has been constant.”

He also used the occasion to praise his players’ mentality, particularly in a fixture that carried the potential for complacency.

“These are the kinds of games that make me fall in love even more with this squad,” he added. “People don’t realise how easy it is to slip up in matches like this. They are very tricky.”

Squad Depth and Rotation Under Scrutiny

Chelsea’s win over Cardiff was secured thanks to goals from substitutes Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho, underlining the depth of Maresca’s squad but also highlighting his heavy rotation policy—an area that has drawn criticism at times this season.

The former Leicester City boss has faced questions over team selection during a recent four-game winless run, a period that coincided with injuries and suspensions to key players. Influential forward Cole Palmer has spent much of the campaign sidelined, while midfielder Moises Caicedo is currently serving a suspension and managing a knee issue.

Sources close to the club suggest Maresca would have liked stronger public backing from within Chelsea during that difficult stretch, given the challenges his squad has faced.

A Record of Early Success

Despite the scrutiny, Maresca’s achievements at Chelsea remain notable. Since taking charge in June 2024, he has guided the club to qualification for the Champions League and delivered two trophies in his first season. Reaching another semi-final means Chelsea have now made three last-four appearances in 18 months under his leadership.

That progress, Maresca believes, reflects a team moving in the right direction.

“We are going in the right direction,” he told Sky Sports. “Everything I do is because I want the best for everyone—the fans, the players, and the club.”

Focus on the Bigger Picture

While questions persist over his earlier remarks, Maresca has made it clear that his priority is on performances and results rather than speculation. With Chelsea competing near the top of the Premier League and still active in domestic cup competitions, the Italian is determined to keep momentum building.

For now, the message from Chelsea’s head coach is one of unity, patience, and belief—both in the project and in the squad he says he is growing increasingly fond of.