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Maresca defends rotation policy at Chelsea after Rooney criticism

On Nov 7, 2025, Wayne Rooney urged Chelsea's leadership group to question Enzo Maresca's rotation policy, saying constant changes could harm team cohesion and urged captain Reece James to act.
Enzo Maresca defended his rotation, citing less than two weeks to prepare after the Club World Cup and fitness issues with Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto, and Joao Pedro.
Chelsea have made 85 changes in 16 matches this season, while Enzo Maresca made seven changes for the Qarabag draw and had to alter plans after Romeo Lavia's injury.
Chelsea's players face growing frustration as Rooney urged captain Reece James and Chelsea leadership group to question Maresca after a recent run of three wins, a draw with Qarabag, and a loss to Sunderland.
Framing the campaign as a marathon, Enzo Maresca, Chelsea head coach, defended rotation by saying it's impossible to play the same players for 65 games and `We are trying to do the best for Estevao, helping him adapt to England`.

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France24

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Maresca Defends Chelsea Rotation Policy After Rooney Criticism

19 hours ago·France

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Daily Mirror

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Enzo Maresca fires back at Wayne Rooney after eye-catching Chelsea warning - The Mirror

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has been criticised by Wayne Rooney for continuing to heavily rotate his side in both the Premier League and Champions League this season

20 hours ago·London, United Kingdom

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Sports Illustrated

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Enzo Maresca Bites Back at Wayne Rooney’s Chelsea Criticism

The Blues boss also provided an update on the perenially injured Romeo Lavia.

20 hours ago·New York, United States

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The Independent

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Enzo Maresca hits back at Wayne Rooney criticism over Chelsea rotation

Rooney questioned whether players can build the relationships necessary to succeed when they rarely know who they will line up alongside from game to game

21 hours ago·London, United Kingdom

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The Star Kuala Lumpur

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Soccer-Maresca defends rotation policy at Chelsea after Rooney criticism

LONDON (Reuters) -Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca defended his extensive rotation when picking starting lineups on Friday after former England striker Wayne Rooney criticised his team selections, with the Italian saying it was needed in a congested schedule. Read full story

22 hours ago·Malaysia

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Channel News Asia

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Maresca defends rotation policy at Chelsea after Rooney criticism

LONDON :Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca defended his extensive rotation when picking starting lineups on Friday after former England striker Wayne Rooney criticised his team selections, with the Italian saying it was needed in a congested schedule.Maresca has made 85 changes to his starting lineups across all co

22 hours ago·Singapore

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