'Impossible To Play With...': Chelsea Gaffer Maresca Clarifies 'Need To Rotate Players'

Last Updated:November 07, 2025, 19:40 IST

Maresca has made 85 changes to his starting lineups across all competitions, more than any other Premier League club, as Chelsea competes on multiple fronts.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca (X)

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca defended his extensive rotation in team selections after former England striker Wayne Rooney criticised his approach. Maresca explained that the rotations are necessary due to the congested schedule.

This season, Maresca has made 85 changes to his starting lineups across all competitions, more than any other Premier League club, as Chelsea competes on multiple fronts.

Rooney argued that the constant changes prevent players from building relationships on the pitch and urged captain Reece James and senior players to challenge Maresca’s strategy.

“Football has evolved in terms of physicality and intensity," Maresca told reporters ahead of Saturday’s match against Wolverhampton Wanderers. “Personally, I find it impossible to use the same players for 65 games a season, including the Champions League and Premier League."

“I played for 20 years, and the game was not as physical as it is now. You need to rotate. This is my personal view," the experienced Italian manager added.

Maresca compared the season to a marathon, suggesting that rotation is crucial early on. “When you reach February and March, the final sprint, you might think differently. But for now, you have to view it as a long race."

Maresca defended the quality of the players he brings in and respected Rooney’s opinion. He hinted that the criticism of his rotation policy only surfaced after Chelsea failed to beat Qarabag in the Champions League this week.

“When the rotation involves players like Andrey Santos, a Brazil international, Jorrel Hato, a Holland international, and Estevao, another Brazil international, it’s not just about rotation," Maresca said. “They are talented and young, and you have to give them chances to make mistakes and improve."

Despite the criticism, Maresca acknowledged that rotation becomes a focus when the team does not win. Hato was involved in errors during the 2-2 draw against Qarabag, and Estevao, who has primarily made cameo appearances this season, is still adapting to English conditions.

“We are doing our best to help Estevao adapt to England," Maresca said. “Last week, he complained about the cold. It was still October, so imagine December and January. He has to adapt. He is happy and doing fantastic. He is undoubtedly a talented player for this club."

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