Chelsea have made at least seven changes to their starting XI in each of their last five matches, with manager Enzo Maresca under criticism for his selection policy
Enzo Maresca
Wayne Rooney believes Enzo Maresca's team selections could soon backfire
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Five Chelsea stars are reportedly disgruntled with Enzo Maresca's team selections, following his fifth consecutive matchday shuffle across all competitions. Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has chimed in on the situation, urging some players to confront the manager.
Maresca made seven alterations to his starting line-up for the Champions League clash against Qarabag on Wednesday, with key midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo among those relegated to the bench. "The [selection] is always because we think the plan with the players is the correct one," Maresca justified post-match.
The 2-2 draw marked the fifth straight game where Maresca has made at least seven changes to his squad.
Old Trafford icon Rooney stated his concerns for Chelsea, and speaking on the Wayne Rooney Show he said: "The players want to play, they want to build relationships. When you keep chopping and changing then the players won't be happy.
"I think that will come back to bite them. If they are getting results all the time then you can't question it but if they're not, there has to be questions asked.
"I think most clubs now have a leadership group and as a group you have to go and question the manager. You hear people talk about 'player power' but this isn't player power. I'd be concerned if the team kept changing.
"If I was in that [leadership] group I'd be speaking to my team-mates saying 'Look, I'm not happy with this'."
Enzo Maresca, Reece James, Alejandro Garnacho and Wesley Fofana
Enzo Maresca speaking to captain Reece James(Image: Michael Zemanek/Shutterstock)
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The Athletic has backed Rooney's assertions, revealing that worried players expressed their concerns to Reece James and other members of the leadership group.
This group is said to include Fernandez, Caicedo, James, Tosin Adarabioyo and Levi Colwill.
Goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli is also reportedly part of this group, despite not having played in nearly four years and only making a single appearance for Chelsea.
Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney has commented on Enzo Maresca's decision to regularly rotate Chelsea’s starting lineup
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In response, it's reported that James arranged a team meal to boost spirits.
The Blues are set to return to Premier League action on Saturday evening when they welcome bottom-of-the-table Wolves at Stamford Bridge (8pm kick-off).
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