Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has responded to criticism from Wayne Rooney regarding his squad rotation approach. He emphasized that rotating players is essential for maintaining team freshness throughout football’s demanding season.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Maresca defended his strategy as vital long-term planning. “We’re in an era where everyone can voice opinions,” he stated. “Rotation has been central to my vision since joining Chelsea. Victories silence critics, but losses invite disagreement.”
Maresca highlighted football’s physical evolution. “Modern matches require greater intensity than before. Playing the same squad across 65 seasonal games is impossible.” He likened the campaign to a marathon needing careful pacing. “By February’s final sprint, your approach must adapt. But the season remains a long race.”
The coach also justified starting young defender Jorrel Hato against Qarabag despite errors leading to goals. “When rotation features talents like Santos, Hato, and Estevao—all internationals—it’s development, not just rotation,” Maresca explained. “Young players need chances to learn from mistakes.”
He concluded that criticism focuses on rotation only during defeats. Chelsea face Wolves in their Premier League Matchday 11 clash tonight.
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