"The last 48 hours have been the most challenging since I joined the club," Maresca said.

He praised his players for their effort and dedication, particularly Malo Gusto, who played well in the game.

When asked to clarify his statement, Maresca reiterated his point, saying the criticism had been difficult to deal with.

However, he also acknowledged the support of the Chelsea fans and expressed his appreciation for their loyalty.

Maresca took responsibility for the team's recent struggles, citing his own mistakes in the line-up and game plan for the loss to Leeds.

He emphasized that the players had been working hard and improving with each game, especially in challenging situations.