Maresca stands by Chelsea squad rotation despite Rooney backlash

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has backed his approach of frequently overhauling the starting lineup following Wayne Rooney's claims that it harms team unity.

The team introduced seven new players for Wednesdays frustrating 2-2 stalemate with Qarabag in Baku during the Champions League match, marking the fifth consecutive fixture where the Italian coach implemented at least that many switches.

Across all competitions this term, Chelsea have seen 85 modifications to their initial XIs, outpacing every other Premier League outfit. Liverpool trail with 69 such adjustments.

During his BBC Sport programme on Thursday, Rooney challenged the idea of players forging strong partnerships when they seldom know their colleagues in advance.

However, Maresca remained firm on his choices before facing Wolves, who lack a head coach, this Saturday, emphasising that the sport has evolved since the ex England and Manchester United strikers era.

"We live in times where everyone voices their opinions freely," he remarked on Friday, alluding to Rooneys words. "From the moment I arrived here, rotating the squad has been my philosophy. Victories silence the doubters. Losses invite disagreement, which is understandable.

"As a player, I embraced rotation. The games physical demands and pace have intensified compared to past decades. Expecting the same group to handle 65 matches in a campaign is unrealistic.

"You cant just point to the past and ask why it worked then. Conditions were less demanding. I competed professionally for two decades. Things have shifted. Rotation is essential now.

"View the season as a marathon, not a short dash. Come February and March for the final push, strategy adjusts. Yet its an endurance event overall."

Criticism intensified towards Maresca in Baku regarding his backline selections, as 19 year old Jorrel Hato bore responsibility for both goals allowed.

"Featuring Andrey Santos, a Brazilian capped player, Jorrel Hato, a Dutch international, and Estevao, another from Brazil, isnt mere rotation," he explained.

"These are gifted youngsters. Youth requires opportunities to err. Yet defeats turn the spotlight on rotation as the scapegoat."

Chelsea sit seventh in the Premier League standings prior to their journey to rock bottom Wolves.