Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca declined to elaborate on recent comments about a perceived lack of support during a press conference held ahead of the Carabao Cup quarterfinal against Cardiff City. Journalists repeatedly asked for clarification but Maresca steered the conversation back to the match and refused to name a target for his earlier remarks.

Asked what he meant by his strong words, Maresca set the tone for the entire press conference. “I already spoke about that and I don’t have nothing to add,” he shrugged. “It’s Cardiff tomorrow, please.”

Reporters pressed him over suggestions that his comments signalled a breakdown with sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart or tensions with co-owner Behdad Eghbali. Maresca did not confirm any of those reports and continued to avoid detail.

“We are in an era where everyone can say what they think,” he said. “I respect people’s opinion, I respect your opinion, but again, I don’t have nothing to add, my focus is just on tomorrow’s game.”

When asked about his command of language and clarity, he replied at length, referencing the languages he speaks before reiterating his position. “I can speak Italian, my language, Spanish very well, French very well, and English more or less,” he continued. “I think when I want to say something, I’m quite clear. I already spoke after the game, I don’t need to add more.

“Italian, Spanish, French, so you all are aware. It’s done, it’s finished. It was after the game, I said what I said after the game. Now it’s focused on Cardiff.”

Reports linking the manager to a possible departure were also dismissed by Maresca, who was unequivocal about his commitment to the role. When asked if he was happy as Chelsea manager and 100% committed to the position, Maresca firmly stressed: “Absolutely, yes.”

The briefing concluded on a lighter note with a routine question about the form of Malo Gusto, the same subject Maresca had used to change the topic following the Everton game.

Cole Palmer’s return to the scoresheet against Everton brought relief but little celebration. The Chelsea forward ended a 333-day scoring drought, yet he was quick to stress that the performance did not mean he is fully fit.

Palmer has been managing a muscular problem that forced him to miss Chelsea’s final two games of August after an early comeback proved premature. He then spent two-and-a-half months on the sidelines and suffered a fractured toe during that period. Those setbacks have left him short of match sharpness and reliant on careful treatment from the club’s medical staff.

“I wouldn’t say I’m at my best yet. I’m still dealing with an injury,” he told BBC’s Match of the Day this weekend. “Hopefully, it gets better and better but there’s still a bit to go.

“It is getting better. The stuff I’ve been doing with the physios at the club. It’s just a matter of not doing too much too soon. Literally, it’s just a day-by-day thing. Hopefully it gets better.”

Head coach Maresca underlined a cautious approach. When BBC’s interviewer began asking about Palmer featuring in multiple fixtures in a week, the Italian manager interjected: “At this moment, he can’t play.” On the specific question of Tuesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Cardiff City, Maresca admitted the forward would “probably not” be risked.

“We said many times with Cole we are a better team,” Maresca added. “Unfortunately he was out for many games for us, but now he’s back and for sure he will help us.”

The player’s international prospects were also mentioned after England manager Thomas Tuchel attended the game at Stamford Bridge. It remains to be seen whether he will be called up this summer after Tuchel had only one camp with Palmer in 2025. Palmer downplayed the speculation, saying: “I’ve not been looking too far ahead to be honest,” and, “I’ve been injured for three months, I just need to get back to full fitness. I know what I can offer when I’m fully fit so hopefully I get there soon.”

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca surprised observers at his post-match press conference after the win over Everton when a routine question about Malo Gusto’s display shifted into a wider complaint about backing for his team.

Asked for his verdict on Gusto, Maresca began with praise before moving to a larger point. “We said many times that Reece [James] and Malo, they are both fullbacks and [against Everton] they were both midfielders,” he began. “So the effort, the open mind, the way they want to learn has been fantastic and this is the reason why I praise the players because with so many problems, they are doing very well after a complicated week.

“Since I joined the club, the last 48 hours have been the worst 48 hours since I joined the club because many people didn’t support us. So I’m very happy for Malo in that moment that the effort from Malo and from the rest show that they are all there and they want to help this club.”

Reporters sought clarification and Maresca reiterated the line: “Worst 48 hours since I joined the club because people didn’t support me and the team.” When pressed on who he meant, he said: “In general. In general.” Given the opportunity to single out fans or media, Maresca added: “I love the fans and we are very happy with the fans,” he responded.

The exchange left an awkward atmosphere and prompted speculation about behind-the-scenes tensions. The narrative around Chelsea in the three games before the Everton victory had been negative, though not unprecedentedly so. The Daily Mail reported a sense of calm from one insider despite the comments.

Maresca and his squad now turn attention to upcoming fixtures. Chelsea face Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup quarterfinal on Tuesday before travelling to Newcastle United on Saturday, where further media scrutiny appears likely.