Enzo Maresca says his policy of rotating his Chelsea squad is always highlighted when results don’t go their way, following criticism from Wayne Rooney earlier this week.
Maresca made seven changes for the 2-2 draw at Qarabag in the Champions League on Wednesday night. It was the fifth consecutive match across all competitions that he has made at least seven changes to his starting XI.
Rooney said that constant swapping in and out of players does little to build connections and could ultimately prove their downfall this season.
“The players want to play, they want to build relationships,” the former England captain said on the Wayne Rooney Show.
“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.”
When you don’t win, the problem is rotation – Maresca
Rooney’s remarks were put to Maresca ahead of tomorrow night’s game at home to Wolves but the Italian hinted he felt it was a cheap shot and was also quick to highlight the quality of the players he had at his disposal.
“We are in a moment, in an era, where anyone can say what they want. I completely respect [that],” said the Italian, who led Chelsea to the Club World Cup title in the summer.
“I also said after the Qarabag game that, since I joined the club, it’s also my view to rotate players, and no-one complained. The moment that you don’t win games, I can understand no-one is agreeing.
“I think that when the rotation is Andrey Santos – Brazil international player, Jorrel Hato – Holland international player, Willian Estevao – Brazil international player, it’s not about rotation.
“They are good, talented, young, and for sure, when they are young, you have to give them the chance to make some mistakes to be better.Â
“The same thing I think happened in the past with Josh Acheampong, but I understand that when you don’t win games, the problem is rotation and all different things.”
