Cynthia Ezegwu
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has defended his squad rotation policy following criticism from former England captain Wayne Rooney, who questioned the Italian’s frequent changes to the team’s starting lineup.
Rooney, reacting to Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Qarabag in the Champions League on Wednesday, suggested that the club’s senior players should “question” Maresca’s selection approach. The draw marked the fifth consecutive game in which the Chelsea boss made at least seven alterations to his starting XI.
Speaking to BBC Sport on Friday, Maresca said his decision to rotate players was deliberate and necessary to maintain fitness levels throughout what he described as a “marathon” season.
“We are in an era where anyone can say what they want,” Maresca said in response to Rooney’s remarks. “Since I joined the club, it’s my view to rotate players. No one complains when you win. When you don’t win, I can understand why people disagree.
“I loved rotation as a player. Football today is different from years ago in terms of physicality and intensity. It’s impossible to play with the same players for 65 games in one season.”
Maresca added that the rotation strategy was designed to preserve energy for the final stages of the campaign. “If you see the season as a marathon, by February or March—the last sprint—you have to think differently. But it’s a long race,” he said.
READ ALSO: Arsenal Go Top After West Ham Win as Chelsea Stun Liverpool
The Chelsea manager also defended his decision to play teenage defender Jorrel Hato in Baku, despite the youngster being at fault for both Qarabag goals.
“When the rotation includes players like Andrey Santos, Jorrel Hato, and Estevão—Brazilian and Dutch internationals—it’s not about rotation. They are talented and young. When they are young, you have to give them room to make mistakes. But when you don’t win games, the problem becomes rotation,” he explained.
Rooney, a former Manchester United captain, had earlier argued that the constant reshuffling of players was affecting Chelsea’s rhythm and urged the club’s senior stars to challenge Maresca’s approach.