Manager Enzo Maresca called for changes ahead of Chelsea’s game against Qarabag, which they could only draw on Wednesday night, but his rotation is a method supported by the Blues’ hierarchy.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has been actively encouraged by the club’s hierarchy to rotate his squad after his much-changed side could only draw with Qarabag in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
The Blues took the lead but were then caught up by Azerbaijan, with Alejandro Garnacho scoring the equalizer in the second half. Maresca has made seven or more changes to his squad in five consecutive games, including the recent Chelsea stalemate.
Chelsea have made 85 changes so far this season, 16 more than Liverpool. Premier League leaders Arsenal have the third-highest rotation of players at 67. Some of those adjustments were forced by injuries and suspensions, but some were due to selection decisions.
Chelsea’s owner, board, sporting director and coaching staff all agree that a shake-up of the starting XI is necessary to face the congested schedule.
When the Blues return from the international break, they will face a tough challenge, with 11 games in all competitions to be played in just four-and-a-half weeks until the end of 2025.
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Maresca, who won both the UEFA Conference League and the Club World Cup in his debut season at Stamford Bridge, is under no internal pressure and that is unlikely to change as the club fully believe he will achieve further success in west London. The Blues are currently seventh in the Premier League and 12th in the Champions League.
Maresca said of the rotation decision: “Yes, I think I’ve tried to explain it many times already. We have the players. The intention tonight was to rest Enzo (Fernández), rest Moises (Caicedo), rest Maro (Gusto). , and resting more players, because they can’t play every three days. They need to recover from last season. As you said, the Club World Cup has had a big impact.
“When we win, we try to rotate, but no one said that. When we don’t win, I know everyone is focused on that, and I think it’s important now to get our energy back for Saturday and compete again.”
Chelsea will face Wolves, who are winless in the league, this Saturday before the international break begins. When Chelsea return in late November, the Blues will play three games in eight days to end the month.
“When we make a change, it’s always intentional because we think the plan is right with the opponent’s players,” Maresca said.
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