Alan Shearer and Danny Murphy have issued a response to Enzo Maresca after the Chelsea head coach's surprising remarks following his team's victory over Everton. The Blues clinched a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge with Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto on target, but it was Maresca who grabbed all the attention.

He described it as the "worst 48 hours" since joining Chelsea in his post-match press conference, asserting that "many people" failed to back him, his squad, and his coaching staff. This has inevitably sparked speculation about what he could be referring to, a topic that was hotly debated on the BBC's Match of the Day.

Presenter Mark Chapman said: "Maresca in that press conference was pushed about whether he meant the fans - he said 'no, I don't mean the fans'. They mentioned the media - I can't believe he's really that bothered what the media say or don't say about him. That has to be directed internally, doesn't it?".

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Alan Shearer was quick to weigh in, stating: "He wants us and others to talk about that. We wouldn't have mentioned that at all if he hadn't mentioned it in his press conference. There's no doubt about that, he's directing that at the board or the owners.

"My guess is that he doesn't feel as if he's getting the protection after the defeat they had in midweek. Obviously, that hurts him, but Chelsea's a very different football club now to what it was 15 or 20 years ago in terms of who they buy - they want to develop young players.

"And it is difficult to compete with the very best when you're doing that because it does take time to bed younger players in and develop them. But in the big picture with Chelsea, I think he's doing a good job."

Chapman then asked: "'What more do you expect me to do?' Do you think that's what he's saying?" Murphy responded with a cautionary note for Maresca: "Yeah, I do more or less, and I agree with that.

"But he's got to be careful. I think you have to realise that with the owners you're working for at the club you're working for, he's been given an amazing opportunity to manage a massive football club after only managing Leicester.

"So did he expect to gain control because he won the Conference League? You know, let's put it in perspective: he's got to be careful. He's done well, there's no doubt. I'm not doubting that he's done well.

"What I'm saying is that football is ruthless. These are multi-billionaire owners, and if they feel that their manager is talking directly to them through the press, it's not going to end well for him. He's got a wonderful opportunity to have success with Chelsea, maybe just pick your moments to be quiet."

It remains uncertain precisely what Maresca was referring to regarding support, or who his comments were directed towards, but the manager appears to have raised doubts about his own position as unexpected friction emerges.

The 45-year-old has now overseen 88 Chelsea fixtures, securing 54 victories and 14 stalemates, whilst suffering just 20 defeats for the Blues in all competitions.

The Italian boss has introduced a degree of steadiness following a turbulent initial period under BlueCo's stewardship, which witnessed several managerial changes.

A Europa Conference League victory delivered the new ownership's maiden silverware, whilst securing Champions League football has provided momentum to the wider vision.