Maresca came in for questioning at his pre-match press conference on Monday ahead of the Cardiff City game in the Carabao Cup as reporters sought to clarify the comments he had made after Saturday’s win over Everton.

They pushed Newcastle hard on their visit to St. James' Park in October, only falling to a last minute winner from Bruno Guimaraes. Only two points separate them from their hosts, who will be feeling the pressure after Sunday's defeat in the Tyne-Weir derby and who looked drained from competing on four fronts.

Head coach Enzo Maresca confirms that a specific Chelsea player will be among those rested for Tuesday's EFL Cup quarter-final against Cardiff City.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is evasive when asked to explain his claim that he has endured his "worst 48 hours" at the club and lacked support.

A former Arsenal winger has chipped in with his two pence worth on what Enzo Maresca said after the Everton game.The Blues obviously won the game 2-0 in what was a much more convincing performance