Enzo Maresca shows true colours with response to Wayne Rooney's Chelsea criticism

Enzo Maresca made seven changes to the Blues side for their disappointing Champions League draw with Qarabag on Wednesday evening, leading to criticism from Wayne Rooney

Enzo Maresca has launched a stern defence of his decision to keep rotating his Chelsea team following criticism from Wayne Rooney earlier this week.

Maresca made seven changes to the Blues side for their disappointing Champions League draw with Qarabag on Wednesday evening, leading to criticism from Rooney.

The Manchester United legend claimed the Chelsea players will not like Maresca’s heavy rotation this season, with the Blues head coach averaging circa six changes to his line-ups this season in all competitions - more than any other manager in the Premier League.

Maresca, though, has defended his policy and believes the squad is more than strong enough to compete in every match.

“I said already many times, we are in a moment, in an era where anyone can say what they want, and I completely respect (it),” said Maresca when asked about Rooney’s criticism. “But I also said after the Qarabag game, that since I joined the club, it's also my view to rotate players. No-one complained in the moment you win a game. (But) I can understand that people disagree.

“I think that when the rotation is Andrey Santos, Brazil international player, Jorrel Hato, Holland international player, Estevao Willian, Brazil international player, it's not about rotation.

“They are good, they are talented, they are young, and for sure when they are young, you have to give them the chance to make some mistakes, to be better. The same thing I think happened in the past with Josh Acheampong. But again, I understand that when you don't win a game, the problem is the rotation or defending.”

Keeping the opposition guessing is something Maresca always tries to do, admitting the element of surprise in football plays a big part in his thinking.

“In my game preparation, it is a huge part,” the Italian explained. “The way I prepare the game, I always try to do the right things for the players, to put the players in situations where they can be comfortable to give everything, but also try to surprise a little the other team.”

Chelsea take on rock-bottom Wolves this evening at Stamford Bridge with the visitors sacking Vitor Pereira last weekend after a dismal start to the campaign.

Under-21 coach James Collins and Under-18 boss Richard Walker will take charge of the trip to west London.