Why Enzo Maresca isn't in the dugout for Chelsea vs Everton Premier League clash

Chelsea boss will not be in the dugout when the Blues host at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. are looking to get back into the places and currently sit two points behind fifth-placed .

However, Maresca will be serving a one-match touchline ban after picking up his third yellow card of the season. The Italian was booked after celebrating Pedro Neto's late winner against last week.

"I was very happy, first of all because it's a nice feeling to win the game at the end but I think it was a moment for the players because they deserve to share that moment with the fans," Maresca told reporters after the game.

"So this is the reason why I left the pitch immediately and then when we scored the second one I celebrated and this is the reason why they gave me a yellow card. But for sure I think it was a nice moment for the players and for the fans to share that moment, it's important and I said already many times, the players need to feel the support."

As a result of Maresca's ban, assistant coach Willy Caballero will be on the touchline instead. " They asked me if I need someone next to me," Maresca said when asked about his suspension ahead of the game.

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"I don't know if I'll be alone or if I'll be with someone. Tomorrow I'll try to be in the way I always try to be. When the manager is not there it's for the leadership group to step forward and take responsibility."

Maresca has also hit back at criticism that has been aimed at him in recent weeks, with fans having voiced their frustrations during games. Speaking earlier this month, Maresca urged Chelsea supporters to "trust the team".

"In my mind, I think the team is ready [to take a step forward next season]," he insisted. "And the reason why I say that is because I think we proved this season. I think, even if sometimes from outside it is difficult to see that, but in the last two years, Chelsea has been top four zero times.

"This season we have been top four most of our season. I don't know the reason why I was not here last season, two years ago, I am not judging what happened last year or two years ago. I am just judging this season.

"And this is the reason why I think fans, they have to trust us, they have to trust the team, they have to trust the club, what we are doing now. And the reason why is because, if in the last two seasons, Chelsea was zero times top four, and this season we spent almost our season top four, I think it's a big proof that the team is improving and is doing the right things.

"Now, is it enough? For me, no. Because I would like to fight with this club for titles, for , for Champions League. But at the same time, I think we have to be realistic and see that this team, this season, is improving. It's there, it's numbers. In the last two years, zero times top four, this season, almost all season.

"I think it's quite clear that we are in the right direction. Now, again, is it enough? For me, no. Because I would like to fight with this club for important things. And we are going to fight for important things.

"But at the same time, the fans and everyone also in this room, I think it's correct to trust us because we are doing the right things. Now we are not in the top four, unfortunately top five, so we are not happy. We are going to try to finish there. But it's a proof that we are doing the right things."

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