Enzo Maresca made seven changes to the Blues side for their disappointing Champions League draw with Qarabag on Wednesday evening, leading to criticism from Wayne Rooney
07:00, 08 Nov 2025
Enzo Maresca
View Image
Enzo Maresca during a Chelsea press conference(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Enzo Maresca has launched a stern defence of his decision to keep rotating his Chelsea team following criticism from Wayne Rooney earlier this week.
Maresca made seven changes to the Blues side for their disappointing Champions League draw with Qarabag on Wednesday evening, leading to criticism from Rooney.
The Manchester United legend claimed the Chelsea players will not like Maresca’s heavy rotation this season, with the Blues head coach averaging circa six changes to his line-ups this season in all competitions - more than any other manager in the Premier League.
Maresca, though, has defended his policy and believes the squad is more than strong enough to compete in every match.
“I said already many times, we are in a moment, in an era where anyone can say what they want, and I completely respect (it),” said Maresca when asked about Rooney’s criticism. “But I also said after the Qarabag game, that since I joined the club, it's also my view to rotate players. No-one complained in the moment you win a game. (But) I can understand that people disagree.
“I think that when the rotation is Andrey Santos, Brazil international player, Jorrel Hato, Holland international player, Estevao Willian, Brazil international player, it's not about rotation.
Chelsea knock up to 60% off kits and merch
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
Various
Fanatics
Shop the sale
Fanatics has slashed the price of Chelsea kits and merch with up to 60% off select items.
“They are good, they are talented, they are young, and for sure when they are young, you have to give them the chance to make some mistakes, to be better. The same thing I think happened in the past with Josh Acheampong. But again, I understand that when you don't win a game, the problem is the rotation or defending.”
Keeping the opposition guessing is something Maresca always tries to do, admitting the element of surprise in football plays a big part in his thinking.
“In my game preparation, it is a huge part,” the Italian explained. “The way I prepare the game, I always try to do the right things for the players, to put the players in situations where they can be comfortable to give everything, but also try to surprise a little the other team.”
Chelsea take on rock-bottom Wolves this evening at Stamford Bridge with the visitors sacking Vitor Pereira last weekend after a dismal start to the campaign.
Under-21 coach James Collins and Under-18 boss Richard Walker will take charge of the trip to west London.
Article continues below
football.london Chelsea WhatsApp channel
Want to keep up to date with the breaking and important Chelsea stories whilst on the move? Well now you can!
Click this link to follow the football.london Chelsea WhatsApp channel, where you'll be kept up to date on the latest Blues news wherever you are.
Just remember to turn on the notifications once you've followed, and you won't miss a beat!