Enzo Maresca Defends Heavy Rotation After Chelsea’s 2-2 Champions League Draw with Qarabag
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has defended his decision to make sweeping changes to his lineup following the team’s 2-2 Champions League draw with Qarabag on Wednesday night.
Despite dominating possession and nearly doubling Qarabag’s shot tally, Chelsea were left frustrated after a series of defensive lapses saw them surrender an early lead and narrowly avoid defeat.
The home side converted two of their three big chances, while Chelsea created none — a reflection of their struggles in the final third despite their control of the ball.
Nineteen-year-old Jorrel Hato was at the centre of both Qarabag goals, committing an error that led to the equaliser and conceding a penalty shortly after. Still, moments of brilliance from Estevao and Alejandro Garnacho ensured Chelsea salvaged a draw, with the Brazilian teenager earning Player of the Match for his relentless attacking energy.
Speaking after the game, Maresca expressed disappointment at the quick succession of goals conceded but defended his rotation strategy.
“It’s about all of them,” Maresca said. “We started the game in control, but when we conceded the first goal, we conceded the second one after four or five minutes. We were much better in the second half. Every game is a chance for them to show why they are here.”
The Italian made seven changes from the side that beat Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, resting several key players, including Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, and Malo Gusto.
“The intention was to rest Moises, Enzo, Malo, and more players,” Maresca explained. “They are not able to play every three days. The Club World Cup affected us a lot, and we tried to rotate. When we win, nobody mentions it, but when we don’t, everyone focuses on that.”
Caicedo was eventually called upon after Roméo Lavia suffered an injury just minutes into the match, while Fernández featured off the bench and Gusto remained unused.
The Blues will now turn their attention to the Premier League, where they face Wolves this weekend as they look to rediscover consistency amid a demanding fixture schedule.
Enzo Maresca Defends Heavy Rotation After Chelsea’s 2-2 Champions League Draw with Qarabag
