Following the recent 2–0 victory over Everton, Maresca turned the post-match press conference away from routine questions and into a surprise criticism of what he described as the “worst 48 hours” of his tenure because “many people” were not showing him support.

It is rare for senior figures at any team to speak out, not just Chelsea, on such matters. And even if they did, it would be counter-productive, because statements of support are often perceived from the outside as the ‘dreaded vote of confidence’ before a decision ends up being taken days or weeks later to part ways with the manager concerned.